Growing diaconate

Published: 9 April 2006

Peter Devenish-Meares with (from left) daughter Georgina, 5; his wife Jo; and daughters Emily, seven months, and Charlotte, 2

THE permanent diaconate in Brisbane archdiocese is growing strongly, with Peter Devenish-Meares becoming the third man in 12 months to be ordained a deacon under the initiative.

Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan was the main celebrant at the March 31 ordination Mass, with parish administrator Fr Anthony Mellor, assistant priest Fr Francis Nguyen, archdiocesan diaconate director Fr Bill O'Shea and other priests concelebrating.

Mr Devenish-Meares said his ordination in Sacred Heart Church, Rosalie was a "wonderfully moving, prayerful experience".

Friends, family and parishioners joined Mr Devenish-Meares to celebrate the occasion.

He said the ceremony was also attended by other men studying for the permanent diaconate.

Peter Olsen from Ipswich was the first man to be ordained a permament deacon under the archdiocesan program 12 months ago. He was joined a few months later by Gary Curtis from Caloundra.

More ordinations to the diaconate are planned in the next 12 months.

Fr Mellor said, as a deacon, Mr Devenish-Meares would be involved in various ministries including preaching, weddings and baptisms.

The permanent diaconate was restored by the Second Vatican Council.

Permanent deacons take their place along with bishops and priests as members of the ordained ministry in the Church.

In another boost, Ray Pardo was accepted as a candidate to the diaconate at St Oliver Plunkett Church, Cannon Hill on April 2.