John’s journey of formation for the Permanent Diaconate

Saturday 18th September marked another step on John Chantry’s journey of formation for the Permanent Diaconate. He received Candidacy from Bishop Paul Swarbrick at the Cathedral in Lancaster.

The Bishop on behalf of the Church formally accepted him and 3 other men as a Candidate for Holy Orders. They promised him that they will complete their preparation so that in due time they will be ready to be ordained in the ministry of the Church. They also promised that they will continue to prepare themselves in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ and His body, the Church. Each then had to individually go and kneel in front of the Bishop and place their hands into his hands as he accepted the candidates saying these words to them:

"The Church receives your declaration with joy. May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfilment".

It was a very simple but significant service, and comes as John begins his first of 3 years of formation and studies after an initial probation year.