“What will be, will be. If it’s God call…give it your best shot and leave it in His hands,” and that’s exactly what Andrew Foster did.

On Sunday 14 July Andrew was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate alongside Andrej Rusnak and Antony Hartley in front of family, friends and parishioners at St Chad’s Cathedral.

The trio have formed a strong friendship having gone through formation together and are now the latest Deacons to serve the Kidderminster and Worcester Deanery.

Andrew, 64, is a probation officer and part of the faith family at St George’s, Worcester, along with Antony, 58, a prison chaplain. 

Andrej is a 50-year-old graphic designer and worships at St Mary & St Egwin's, Evesham.

Their individual calling to the permanent diaconate could not have been more different but all three are in agreement - listen to God’s call and see where it takes you.

By the age of 26 Andrew had spent time in junior seminary and a Franciscan order, convinced he was going to be a priest. But he left and joined the probation service, met Susanna, fell in love and got married – now celebrating their 36th year.

“My vocation to ministry – I thought that ship had sailed,” said Andrew. “Then seven years ago I was asked if I would consider the permanent diaconate. 

“I didn’t give it much consideration at first, then was asked again. I prayed the Rosary, asking Mary for guidance.  I thought I’ll give it my best shot, if it happens, it happens.

“It was not in my thinking and definitely not in Susanna’s thinking! Her initial reaction was one of shock, and disbelief. But she has been fully supportive on this whole journey. Susanna is a caring and compassionate woman who gives my life meaning.”

Antony too has found much support in his wife Linda. They too have been married for 36 years and have five children, and two foster children. All were there on their Dad’s big day.

“I was invited to apply for the permanent diaconate,” said Antony. “My name had been put forward and it led to various conversations. As those conversations flowed I released this was my calling.

“From the moment I was invited to apply my family all thought it was the right thing to do. They weren’t overly surprised.

“I feel very appreciative of the process of discernment and formation I’ve undertaken at St Mary’s College, Oscott. Appreciative of all the staff, the staff in our Archdiocese, people in our parish. People have been so gracious and kind. So giving. It is a wonderful process.”

Andrej came to England from Slovakia to join a monastery. But six months in he left “God showed me that the biggest desire in my heart is to have a family”.

He joined The House of the Open Door Community where he later met his wife, Henrietta. They settled in Evesham and had two children.

It was in the community during their 40th anniversary celebrations Andrej heard a Deacon proclaiming the Gospel, where he heard the call. So, he reached out, spoke to people and made an application.

“My wife was not surprised by my calling and was very supportive from the beginning. I appreciate her and my family’s support on this journey very much,” said Andrej. 

“I am also very grateful to God that after ordination - we (three deacons) are not going to be like lonely islands walking with God on our own. We are brothers, we are part of a bigger family, we can call on each other’s help.”

All three will now support fellow clergy as all serve the Deanery through preaching, providing pastoral support and much more.

Andrew and Antony’s ordination takes the number of deacons at St George’s to seven, a wonderful testament to the faith community in Worcester!

And what would they say to other men considering the permanent diaconate?

Andrew: “I’d advise them to pray about it, then go for it. What will be, will be. If it’s God call…give it your best shot and leave it in His hands.”

Antony: “To love God and to love their neighbour. Be patient. Discern a genuine call.”

Andrej: “Be open to the Holy Spirit and ask for the right time for the next step. Even when we are called, God’s timing is perfect, not ours. It can be challenging during formation but trust God. If he opens the door there is a reason behind it. Don’t be scared to step into the unknown, don’t be afraid to walk on the water. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.”

Sunday’s Mass of Ordination was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, who opened his Homily with:

Today’s ordination of Andrew Foster, Antony Hartley and Andrej Rusnak as deacons for our Archdiocese strengthens the mission of the Church during this Year of Prayer and as we prepare for the Jubilee Year 2025.  

It is a great joy to ordain three deacons for the service of the Church and this joy is shared by the wives, families and friends of our deacons-elect, and especially by the parish communities that you are being called to serve with new commitment and a new direction from today.  

Read Homily in full

Photo Gallery by Con McHugh

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.

Becoming a Deacon