On Sunday 6th July, as some of our parishes opened for public Masses for the first time in 3 months, our Cathedral in Northampton had another reason to celebrate; the diaconate ordination of Andrew Coy.

Bishop David, presiding at the ordination was joined by some of our diocesan priests and Emeritus Bishop, Peter Doyle as well as some family, with more joining through the live stream.

Andrew has been studying in The English College in Rome for the past 6 years, returning in March as the pandemic took hold in Rome. Andrew believed he would be returning to Rome after a few weeks, little did he know that his time in Rome was at an end. Andrew will now be joining the Cathedral team until his ordination to the priesthood next summer.

Andrew is a transitional deacon and just in case he is tempted to dismiss this ordination as a stepping stone to priesthood, Bishop David reminded him

“The Lords grace to you in this sacramental moment is a gift which endures for the rest of your life”.

A Deacon in the Catholic Church can officiate at Baptisms, weddings and funerals. We have two types of diaconate; transitional and permanent. Transitional Deacons are preparing for priesthood and so Andrew will be continuing his studies whilst gaining valuable parish experience.