Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 5:00pm

Seven now training to become deacons in Elphin

The era of married men officiating at Catholic services such as weddings and funerals appears to be moving closer with the news that seven men are currently undertaking a formation programme for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Elphin, which includes Ss Peter and Paul's parish and some of South Roscommon.

The seven men are currently half way through the first year of a three-year formation programme for the permanent diaconate.

Those who complete the training programme can preside over services other than the Mass, such as funerals, baptisms and weddings.

They can also read the Gospel and preach at Mass.

Deacons can be single or married, but if they are single they must take a promise of celibacy when they are ordained and live as celibates from then on. If they are married they must be at least 35 years of age before applying to become a deacon and they cannot remarry should their spouse predecease them.

Justin Harkin, Director of Pastoral Development with the Elphin Diocese, completed a four-year formation programme undertaken by Scottish diaconal students last June. He is to give a presentation on the permanent diaconate at a series of meetings around the Elphin diocese over the coming weeks.

One of these presentations will be in Athlone's Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Thursday, February 11, from 8 to 10pm.

The presentation is to incorporate the history, decline, restoration and contemporary evolution of the permanent diaconate worldwide.

It will be followed by opportunity for discussion.