The planning and preparations are continuing apace in the Diocese of Galway ahead of the ordination to the priesthood of Rev John Gerard Acton in August.
Bishop Brendan Kelly will ordain Rev Acton for service in the Galway diocese in the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas in Galway City at 3.00pm on Sunday 1 August.
Rev Acton is from Knockaunranny in Moycullen. He is the youngest of four siblings. He attended primary and secondary school in Moycullen and Spiddal and went on to graduate from GMIT with a BA in business in and communications. He spent a number of years working in Debenham’s Department Store before taking up a position in the Park House Hotel. Rev Acton spent six years in formation at the National Seminary at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
In a letter published ahead of his ordination Rev Acton expresses his thanks to the people of the diocese and for all those who were part of his formation journey. He writes, “Faith is something that was always very important to us at home and my sense of calling to the priesthood was by no means sudden – it was something that gradually increased over many years. My six years in seminary provided me with the opportunity to discern what God really wanted me to do with my life.
“I am very grateful to my parents Séamus and Maureen, family, friends and colleagues in the diocese and all those who have travelled this journey with me. I have been humbled by the support I have received these past years. I ask you to please continue to keep me in your prayers as I approach my ordination to priesthood and my first appointment in the diocese.”
Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions in place, attendance at the ordination Mass will be limited but Rev Acton hopes that people will join in the ceremony online at www.galwaydiocese.ie/ordination.
For more information on diocesan priesthood see www.vocations.ie.
ENDS
