Was deacon's Ireland ministry a first for Catholics in Eire?

Last fall, Deacon John J. Skelly of the Albany Diocese witnessed a marriage in Ireland, something he thinks might be a first.

Ireland has not had an active permanent diaconate, even though the ministry was reestablished by the Church more than 30 years ago. Among other duties, deacons can witness marriages and perform Baptisms.

Deacon Skelly was asked to witness the marriage of his nephew, Owen-Roe Skelly, and his fiance, Anne Briody, who live in Ballinlough, County Meath. The ceremony was held in the Church of the Assumption there. Rev. Pheilim Kelly, a priest of the Diocese of Meath, celebrated the nuptial Mass.

A first?

Deacon Timothy McAuliffe, director of Diaconate Administration of the Albany Diocese and past president of the National Association of Diaconate Directors, said Deacon Skelly's action may indeed have been a first.

"Several years ago, I was asked to witness a cousin's marriage in western Ireland," Deacon McAuliffe said. "I was told 'no' at the local level [but] later learned that the [bishop in Ireland] would have said 'yes.'"

At that time, there were no permanent deacons in Ireland. Today, Deacon McAuliffe thinks there "are only two or three ordained permanent deacons in the country. While other countries, such as the U.S., England and Australia, have an active diaconate program, Ireland is just now beginning one."

Coming ministry

Deacon Skelly was told in Ireland that the bishops there have just initiated a formation class for men interested in becoming permanent deacons.

"I think this will be good for the people there, although it may take some getting used to," he said.

His wife Ellen agreed, noting: "I can remember, when John was first ordained, some people here needed time to adjust to the new ministry. I am sure that, with time, the people in Ireland will accept the permanent diaconate in their parishes and dioceses, just as people here did."

"I was glad to hear that John was able to witness his nephew's marriage in Ireland," Deacon McAuliffe said. "He's a very effective deacon and a great person. He's one of the few men I know that will always put his heart where his mouth is. In other words, his gentle, quiet and caring ways of ministry are a great example for the rest of us."

(This year, Deacon Skelly, a native of Ireland who came to the U.S. as a young man, will celebrate 30 years as a permanent deacon. He is assigned to St. Mary's parish in Nassau and Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland.)

(1/19/06) [[In-content Ad]]