Making Room in the In”
January 26, 2023
Pick a pumpkin…
January 26, 2023
By Rev Joseph ‘Jose’ Gomes
One year ago, on January 22, 2022, 15 men said ‘yes’ as they were ordained as permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
These ‘new’ permanent deacons celebrated their First Anniversary Mass on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St Theresa’s RC Church, Malick, Barataria. Chief celebrant was Archbishop Jason Gordon, with Fr Jason Boatswain concelebrating. Fr Boatswain is the Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate. It is no coincidence that this first anniversary falls on the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, which is the Sunday designated by the Church as Sunday of the Word of God.
Archbishop Gordon said in his homily that Sunday of the Word of God should lead us to a deeper awareness of God through His Word. He thanked the deacons for answering the call to serve and asked them about their readiness to continue in their Ministry.
He reminded the congregation that the readings this week call us all to vocation. Vocation, he said, can take the form of clerical, religious life, married life, or single consecrated life, and that our first question as disciples should be, “How am I living my vocation?”. He said if this is not the right question, then one needs to ask, “Lord, what is my vocation, and how should I live it?”
The Mass was celebrated by the 15 deacons ordained in 2022, and Deacon Malcom Joab, who joined to provide support and encouragement for the deacons. Family members of the deacons and friends were present to share this joyous occasion.
Two of the deacons, Rev Nigel Thomas and Rev Terrence Caesar assisted the Archbishop, while Rev Denis Hamid proclaimed the Gospel. Communion was distributed by Revs Thomas, Caesar, and Curtis Cazeau.
A small gift was presented to the Archbishop at the end of the Mass by Rev Malcolm Holdip and the vote of thanks given by Rev Kelvin Noel. He thanked the wives of the deacons and members of the families for their support and encouragement, and Fr Boatswain for his work in preparing the deacons for Ministry.
He also thanked the course facilitators, especially the members of the clergy; the priests who assisted in this area, and continue to guide and help the deacons as they grow in Ministry, and the formators for their important work.
The deacons have pledged their commitment to continue serving the Archdiocese and learn and grow in their Ministry of Service to the Church and the People of God.
