The road to Diaconate

Hello everybody. I just wanted to share a few words on my journey to becoming a 

Deacon in our Church.

A Deacon is an ordained minister within the Church whose role is one of service to God and God’s people. The role is oft described as one foot on the altar and one in street. The early Church deacons were charged with practical matters such as food and goods distribution and day today administration amongst the early Christian communions.

The role today remains one of service and a lot in the community. Notable deacons are St Stephen, St Lawrence and St Francis of Assisi. 

I have been a Parishioner of St Robert since moving to Harrogate eight years ago. I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and have been a public company Chief Financial Officer for the last 12 years with Marshalls Plc and Essentra Plc.

I have a daughter Elle aged 29 and a son John of 28.

My calling to the Diaconate started some ten years ago and through a process of discernment over time and talking to people like Deacon David at St Aelreads, I gradually entered formation.

The formation is academic, spiritual and pastoral. It is a very well organised amd resourced program that takes 4-5 years before an ordination. Father Simon has helped greatly with my pastoral formation over the last few years. 

We are privileged to be a part of Jack's journey to the Diaconate and we hope that you might be able to join Jack and Dominic when they receive the ministry of Acolyte from Bishop Marcus at the Mass at 7pm on Tuesday 18th March and at the reception afterwards.