Permanent Diaconate

The Council of the Permanent Diaconate of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

This Council comes under the Episcopal Commission for Worship, Pastoral and Faith Development

Contact details

Mgr Dermot Farrell
(National Director of the Permanent Diaconate)
Parochial House
Dunboyne, Co Meath
Tel: +353 (0)1 825 5342

Fr Michael Duignan
(Coordinator of the Formation Programme)
St Mary’s
Sligo
Tel: +353 (0)71-916 2670

About

In 2001 the Irish Episcopal Conference received permission from the Holy See to proceed with the restoration of the Permanent Diaconate in Ireland. In 2005 approval was received for the document The Permanent Diaconate: National Directory and Norms for Ireland and this document was subsequently published by the Irish Bishops.

In March 2009 the Bishops appointed a national training authority under the chairmanship of Bishop Donal McKeown to approve and monitor formation for permanent deacons in this country. This body ensures that the preparation of candidates for ordination to the diaconate is in keeping with the expectations of the Church.