PRESS RELEASE
1 June 2010
Bishop Willie Walsh welcomes new Deacon
Bishop Willie Walsh today welcomed the ordination of a new deacon for service in the Diocese of Killaloe: “It is a sign of great joy and an expression of hope in the future as we welcome Ger Fitzgerald as the newest member of the clergy of our Diocese. Sunday was a day of tremendous celebration for the Fitzgerald family, the people of the parish of Castleconnell and the whole Diocese of Killaloe. Along with the ordination to Diaconate of Ger Jones from Bridgetown on Easter Monday we see wonderful signs of renewal for our Church in difficult times. I thank the generous spirit of Ger as he offers his life in the service of God’s people. I pray God’s blessing on him as he brings his studies for the priesthood to a conclusion and I look forward, with God’s help, to welcoming him as a brother priest next year.”
Ger Fitzgerald was ordained a deacon on Sunday last 30th May, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, in the College Chapel of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth by Most Rev. Joseph Toal, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles in Scotland. Ger was one of eight new deacons ordained on the day. Five of the class were Irish, two from Scotland and one from South Africa.
Ger is a native of the parish of Castleconnell, Co. Limerick. Born to Patrick and Mary Fitzgerald on December 21st 1979, Ger is the youngest of two sons and has an older brother, Anthony. He attended Castleconnell National School and St. Mary’s Convent, Newport Co. Tipperary where he did his leaving certificate in 1997. After school he worked in the Castle Oaks Hotel and for MBS, a stainless steel manufacturing company, in Dublin. He began his studies for the priesthood in 2005. After two years of Philosophy he took a Pastoral Theology course and course in Clinical Pastoral Education. He is currently completing his theological studies in Maynooth. Ger’s interests are varied and include a great love of Georgian culture and architecture. He also enjoys music and is a keen sports fan, particularly following the exploits of Limerick Hurling and Football as well as being a longtime supporter of Manchester City F.C.
Speaking of his vocation Ger said, “My vocation story started at a very young age and was greatly influenced by family and friends and people in the parish of Castleconnell. I would say that I always wanted to be a priest but for one reason or another kept putting it off until 2004 when I decided to apply and after the initial process I began my formal training in 2005.”
Notes to Editors:
- Ordination to Diaconate is the final step in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. The Deacon makes a commitment to celibacy and obedience becoming a member of the Clergy of a diocese. He can officiate at some of the sacraments of the Church, including Baptisms and witnessing to Marriages. He also commits to pray the Divine Office (Breviary) on behalf of the people of God.
- Ger is one of four students currently studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Killaloe
- Pictures are available on request from the Catholic Communications Office – 087 310 4444
Further Information:
Fr. Brendan Quinlivan, Diocesan Communications Officer, 087-2736310
Fr. Ignatius McCormack, Diocesan Vocations Director, 086-2777139
