DEACONS: NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023 “BREAKING NEW GROUND”

The booking for our annual conference on the 21st October is now open! This conference is a unique opportunity for Distinctive Deacons in the UK and beyond, many of whom work in isolation, to come together for fellowship, teaching and encouragement in the rich vocation to which they have been called. Deacons, deacon ordinands, deacon … Continue reading DEACONS: NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023 “BREAKING NEW GROUND”

Looking back with joy and gratitude

I have now formally stepped down as Chair of CENDD, and have handed over to Deacon Gill Newman, in whom I have the utmost confidence that she will lead the Network forward under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I have been so grateful for all those who have worked alongside me, prayed with me, shared their wisdom and contributed to the steering group over the past six years.  I am  amazed and grateful at the way ~God has brought forward new deacons to take over and develop roles in the national steering group.  

All manner of stamina and dedication: diaconal ministry in the Amazon

In this part of the world where there are few priests and with the permission of her bishop, Cira has baptized more than 1,300 children and adults. That the Catholic Church has a presence and can accompany people in these communities is largely due to the efforts of women like Ciria who have braved all manner of weather to travel by boat or to set up camp sites in communities where they travel along dirt roads by auto.

Spiritual practice: looking at the universe

These stunning photos were of images taken by the Webb Telescope. What completely caught me by surprise was how deeply spiritual this experience was. Every time I closed my eyes one of the images danced across my vision and over that weekend, I spent quite a bit of time immersed in the immensity of the presence of God they opened me to. Reflecting on those images resulted in a new spiritual practice for me that I wanted to share with you.

Ice-cream and modern slavery: a very diaconal project

“Every survivor of modern slavery has a different story but we have found they are usually super keen to work and get involved and be part of the community. They love being part of a team and particularly appreciate learning to bake, one-to-one with our volunteers. The café is a caring and nurturing environment and I think that makes a difference to the survivors.”