A Day of Service and Commitment: The Diocese of East Anglia Celebrates its Deacons
On a crisp autumn day in late September, the magnificent Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich became the gathering place for a special community within the Catholic Church. The Diocese of East Anglia’s Annual Gathering of Deacons brought together ordained deacons, their supportive wives, and those men journeying toward this unique vocation of service. This yearly tradition serves as both a celebration of ongoing ministry and a milestone for those advancing in their formation. The gathering embodied the essence of diaconate ministry—bringing together service to the altar, proclamation of the Gospel, and outreach to those in need under one sacred roof.
The day centered around a solemn yet joyful celebration of Mass presided over by Bishop Peter Collins. The liturgy carried special significance as several candidates in formation received formal ministries marking their progress toward ordination. Some were instituted as Lectors, entrusted with proclaiming Scripture during worship, while others became Acolytes, assisting more closely at the altar with the Eucharistic celebration. These steps represent significant milestones in their formation journey, affirming their calling and preparation. The cathedral’s grand space was filled with proud family members, fellow clergy, and parishioners from across East Anglia, all gathered to witness and support these men answering God’s call to serve. The atmosphere blended reverence with genuine warmth as the community affirmed these vocations through their presence and prayers.
Bishop Peter Collins delivered a thoughtful homily that spoke directly to the heart of diaconal ministry. He reflected on Christ’s example of humble service, reminding those present that authentic spiritual leadership flows from a posture of kneeling to wash feet rather than standing to command. The bishop specifically addressed the candidates receiving ministries, encouraging them to develop an ever-deepening relationship with Scripture as Lectors and profound reverence for the Eucharist as Acolytes. These foundations, he emphasized, would sustain their future ministry through both joyful and challenging seasons. Bishop Peter also took time to acknowledge the dedicated service of the diocese’s existing deacons, recognizing their daily witness across parishes, hospitals, prisons, and community centers. Particularly moving was his expression of gratitude to the deacons’ wives, whose support, understanding, and partnership make their husbands’ ministry possible.
Following the sacred liturgy, the cathedral’s hospitality space transformed into a scene of warm fellowship. Deacons who serve in parishes separated by many miles had the opportunity to reconnect, share experiences, and offer encouragement to one another. Their wives, who navigate the unique journey of supporting a husband in ordained ministry while maintaining family life, found valuable time to exchange wisdom and friendship. For the men still in formation with their families, these moments provided living examples of what their future ministry might entail. The gathering over a shared meal created space for the natural mentoring relationships that help sustain the diaconate community. Stories were exchanged about parish life, challenging pastoral situations, and the creative ways deacons bridge the church with the wider community. These personal connections reflect the communal nature of ministry itself—no deacon serves alone, but rather as part of a brotherhood supported by family, fellow clergy, and the entire diocesan family.
The diaconate holds a distinctive place within Catholicism, representing one of the three ordained ranks alongside priests and bishops, yet with its own particular character. While priests primarily focus on sacramental ministry and bishops on leadership, deacons embody the church’s commitment to service. Their ministry unfolds in three interconnected dimensions: they assist at the altar during liturgical celebrations; they proclaim and teach the Gospel; and perhaps most distinctively, they carry Christ’s compassion into places of need within the community. Many deacons balance this vocation alongside secular careers and family responsibilities, making them important bridges between everyday life and the church’s sacred traditions. The East Anglia gathering highlighted this multifaceted nature of diaconal service, acknowledging how these men weave together worship, proclamation, and charity in their local communities.
As the annual gathering concluded and participants returned to their parishes across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough, they carried with them renewed purpose and connection. For the established deacons, the day offered refreshment and recognition of their ongoing ministry. For those in formation, receiving these ministries marked significant waypoints on their journey toward eventual ordination. For the wives who share in this vocation through their support and sacrifice, the day acknowledged their essential contribution to the church’s mission. Bishop Peter’s closing remarks reminded everyone that the diaconate represents the servant-heart of Christ made visible in contemporary society. While the gathering happens just once yearly, its impact extends throughout the diocese as these men continue their ministry of presence—bringing the compassion of Christ to hospital bedsides, proclamation to pulpits, and service to the altar. Their witness, often quiet but profound, ensures that the church remains connected to its fundamental calling to serve rather than be served.
