Church responds to shortage of priests by ordination of married deacons in historic move

Irish Central should consider expanding its coverage of news like this beyond Roman Catholic Ireland. Of course, it's not really news that women serve as Anglican deacons in Ireland, but it says much about Irish religious diversity and progress. This note appeared on the web site of the Diocese of Armagh three months ago: "Rosie Diffin will be ordained as Intern Deacon on Sunday 16th September 2012 at 11.30 am. The Service will be held in St Ann’s Church, Drumglass, Dungannon where she will be serving." And at his recent inauguration as Archbishop of Armagh, Dr. Richard Clarke spoke of "the Church of Ireland’s liturgy, to a new bishop at his –- or her –- consecration." Yes it's happening in (and the USA) Ireland now, but I don't expect to see it happen in a Roman Catholic church in our lifetimes.

hey I'm fot it. Its been going on for over25 years in Boston & New York They are called Rent a Priest in Massachusetts. would rather see Married priests the single pedophile ones Back in the 14th century Catholic priests were Married then sometime in later the pope banned priests from getting married. I think it will help keep the priests on an even keel. we know nothing is 100% but lets face it he will have the wife to answer to if he goes off the path.

They need to expand their horizons and find that the other 50% of the population are actually willing and able to serve. Narrow vision is usually the reason organizations crumble.

This may-with God's blessing, be the beginning of a revival of the Catholic Church in Ireland. Priests should wholeheartedly support the ordination of married deacons. Will they? It remains to be seen.

We are catholic and I think it is wonderful! There is no reason a person can't be a deacon and a great father. This has been coming for a long time Now if the Vatican is smart they will support this movement.

The tide is turning, women priests will happen and a return ot the gnostism which truly made the church gteat for a brief moment in time.

Let us pray to Phoebe, their patron saint, for them. As St. Paul writes in Romans 1-2: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me."

This is good news!

Padraiginrua, one of my grandchildren was baptised by a deacon five years ago. Your right, this has been going on for at least 30 years in Ohio.

It's been done in the US for about 30 yrs - hardly news

That not so surprising, that has been the way for quite some time

Progress - but couldn't they have ordained some women too? It is taking way too long.

next 6 women ordained and we have equality returned to where it was before Roman rule came to civilise us.

Nice progress toward inclusion of more married people. Now ordain six women as well. Then promote all twelve to priesthood to break the history of mistreatment of women.