More than one hundred people gathered at Our Lady of Victories in Shortland to support and pray for Kevin’s new ministry.

According to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Bishop, Bishop Bill Wright, Kevin’s ordination was “a long time coming.”

Kevin was a Novice with the Marist Brothers in Armidale in the 1970s, but it was not until later in life that ordination came about. 

In 1992, he married Betsy, who passed away from pancreatic cancer only three years ago.

Kevin and Betsy were valued members of the Wallsend-Shortland parish, and Betsy supported Kevin in his growing call to become a deacon. 

Parish Priest of Wallsend-Shortland, Fr Tony Brady had recommended to Bishop Bill that Kevin be considered for ordination, and the process began.

Bishop Bill said the process had been a long one, and one that had seen Kevin consistently growing in faith and service.

“Kevin has been continually serving, and has evolved into the deaconate,” Bishop Bill said.

Deacon Kevin was grateful for the day of his ordination to arrive.

The ministry of a Deacon includes the Word, the Liturgy and Charity. Deacons can celebrate baptisms, weddings, and funerals and give certain blessings.

The sacred moment of ordination occurred as Kevin knelt before Bishop Bill. Bishop Bill put his hands on Kevin’s head, and with Chrism oil and a prayer, sealed him as a deacon.

As Bishop Bill presented the Book of the Gospels to Deacon Kevin, he said the following words:

“Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

At the conclusion of the ordination, everyone gathered in Our Lady of Victories Primary School hall for lunch and cake. As Deacon Kevin stood to cut the cake, nothing could wipe the smile from his face.