On Sunday 13 July in front of family, friends and fellow parishioners at St Chad’s Cathedral, Paul Milton was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.

It has taken Paul six years to get to this point - having taken a year out early on in his formation - but he hails it ‘a major point in my life’.

“We have only got a limited amount of time on this Earth,” said Paul. “I want to make the best of it, and have a real purpose…..

it is the thought of direct service to our Lord,to his Church, to his people, to accompany people during the best, and worst, times of their life….

the Permanent Diaconate is not about me – it is about selfless service to the wider community and, to our Lord. It appeals to me and to be ordained as a deacon will be a true privilege.”

Paul, a solicitor, is a parishioner of St Peter Apostle and Our Lady’s, Leamington Spa. He is married to Yvonne and has two children.

He admits his journey to becoming a Deacon is a ‘long story’ but a role he is very much looking forward to.

Paul married his wife Yvonne in 2008 and converted to Catholicism. He attended Mass more frequently and became more interested in the Faith and actively helped out in the parish.

‘One thing led to another’ and he began exploratory conversations about the Diaconate with now-retired Deacon David Palmer in the parish.

“At specific points in my life I had thought about serving the Church more directly but not pursued it,” said Paul. “So considering the Permanent Diaconate was a natural thing to do. It has taken me six years to get here as I took a year out. It was difficult to balance family life, my job and my diaconal formation, but I persevered.

“I feel excited, I feel nervous, there will be many new things to learn. The future will have its challenges, but I am very much looking forward to it.”

During Sunday's Ordination, which was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, Paul was supported by family, friends and parishioners from St Peter Apostle and Our Lady’s. 

Moving forward he will be serving in his home parish working closely with Fr Stephen Day who Paul would like to thank for all his encouragement, support and help. 

And Paul’s advice to other men considering the Permanent Diaconate?

“Go for it. If it's meant to be, it’s meant to be. Things happen for a reason. 

For me it was instinctive. An inner voice. If it feels right, don't hold back. You should try. If you get that calling, talk to others. Don't be shy, don't hold back.”

Becoming a Deacon

There are approximately 90 Permanent Deacons across the Archdiocese, with around 60 active in ministry, and they all play a vital role within the Diocesan family and the communities they serve.

Permanent deacons are mature men, aged 35 or over, married or celibate, who by virtue of their ordination are members of the clergy. The word 'deacon' means servant. Their ministry is one of service to the Church, and with the Church to the world, with a special concern of the poor and marginalised. The majority are in secular employment or retired.

Deacons are ordained to the ministry of service, which from the early days of the Church has been characteristically associated with the service of those in need in society. The diaconate as a permanent Order in the Church was restored following the Second Vatican Council, and the ministry of the deacon must always respond to the needs of his time and place.

Find out more about becoming a Deacon

Archbishop Bernard's Homily

Mass Booklet

Photo Gallery by Con McHugh

Watch! short video from the Mass