A former landscaper has been ordained as a deacon for the Diocese of Meath.
Rev Kevin Connolly, 36, was ordained on Sunday 28 May in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth where he has spent the last five years in the seminary.
Rev. Connolly was one of five deacons ordained by Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam. The deacons will now go on to complete their seminary training over the next 12 months before being ordained to the priesthood. Last month, three men studying at the Pontifical Irish College were ordained as deacons in Rome.
The deacons can now perform various ministries in the Church including preaching at Mass, celebrating Baptisms and Funerals as well as undertaking a particular responsibility for works of charity.
Speaking after the ordination ceremony Rev Connolly said, “I am delighted to offer my life in the service of the Lord and I’m looking forward to working as a priest in the Diocese of Meath in the near future”.
Rev. Connolly expressed his thanks to his parents, Paddy and Kathleen Connolly, his family, friends and also Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath, for accepting the Monaghan native as a student for the priesthood.
Among those from the Diocese of Meath attending the ceremony were Father Robert McGivney (Mullingar), Father John Conlon (Duleek), Fr Michael Hinds (Dunboyne) and Fr Kevin Heery (Navan).
Photo caption ( left to right): Father Robert McGivney (Mullingar), Father John Conlon (Duleek), Father Michael Hinds (Dunboyne), Rev. Kevin Connolly, and his parents Kathleen and Paddy Connolly.
ENDS