Two Men Answer Christ’s Call to Serve as Deacons

The Diocese of East Anglia celebrated a joyful and significant occasion on Saturday 18 July as Paul Gilbert and Richard Rahim were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons by Bishop Peter Collins at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich.

The Solemn Mass, celebrated at 11.30am, drew priests and deacons from across the Diocese of East Anglia and beyond, together with family members, friends and parishioners who gathered to support the two candidates as they took this important step in their ministry.

At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Peter welcomed all those present and offered particular thanks to the families of Paul and Richard for the encouragement, sacrifices and steadfast support they have provided throughout their years of discernment and formation.

The Liturgy of the Word set the tone for the celebration. The first reading, from Acts 6:1-7b, recounts the appointment of the first seven deacons by the Apostles. Faced with the growing needs of the early Christian community, the Apostles selected men “filled with the Spirit and with wisdom” to serve, ensuring that no one was neglected. The passage highlights the origins of the diaconate as a ministry rooted in service, charity and practical care for God’s people.

The Gospel, Luke 12:35-44, calls the faithful to remain watchful and ready for the coming of the Lord. Jesus speaks of servants who keep their lamps burning and are prepared for their master’s return. The reading serves as a powerful reminder that ordained ministry is one of faithful service and vigilance. Deacons are called to be visible signs of Christ the Servant, always ready to proclaim the Gospel and respond to the needs of the Church.

Following the homily came the Rite of Ordination, one of the most ancient and moving liturgies of the Church.

The candidates were first called forward and presented to the Bishop, signifying that they had been found worthy and prepared for ordination. Their election by the Bishop, and the consent of the people gathered in the cathedral, demonstrated the communal nature of vocation: while a call begins in the heart of an individual, it is affirmed and received by the wider Church.

Paul and Richard then made the Promise of the Elect, publicly declaring their intention to undertake the ministry of the diaconate faithfully and with humility. This was followed by the Promise of Obedience to Bishop Peter and his successors, a visible expression of their commitment to serve in communion with the Church.

One of the most solemn moments of the liturgy was the Litany of Supplication, during which the candidates lay prostrate before the altar as the congregation invoked the prayers of the saints. The gesture symbolises complete surrender to God and a recognition that ordained ministry can only be undertaken through His grace.

The essential rite of ordination followed as Bishop Peter laid his hands upon each candidate in silence before praying the Prayer of Ordination. Through this ancient act, handed down from the Apostles, Paul and Richard were ordained as deacons and configured to Christ the Servant.

They were then vested with the stole, worn diagonally across the body, and the dalmatic, the distinctive vestment of the deacon. These garments signify their new ministry of service at the altar, in the proclamation of the Gospel and among the people of God.

The newly ordained deacons next received the Book of the Gospels from the Bishop, accompanied by the charge to believe what they read, teach what they believe and practise what they teach. The presentation of the Gospel book highlights the deacon’s unique role in proclaiming the Good News and bringing the message of Christ to the world.

Finally, Bishop Peter offered each new deacon the Kiss of Peace, followed by the college of deacons present. This ancient gesture welcomed Paul and Richard into the Order of Deacons and expressed the fraternity and unity shared among those called to this ministry.

The ordination of deacons is always a moment of great joy for the Diocese. It is a visible sign that God continues to call men to serve His Church and that the faith is being handed on to future generations. In a world often marked by uncertainty and division, the witness of those who dedicate their lives to service, charity and the proclamation of the Gospel is both encouraging and inspiring.

As the Diocese of East Anglia continues its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the ordination of Paul Gilbert and Richard Rahim stands as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope that lies ahead. Their ministry will enrich parish communities across the Diocese, supporting clergy and serving the people entrusted to their care.

It was, indeed, a great day for the Diocese of East Anglia: a celebration of vocation, service and the enduring call of Christ, who continues to invite His followers to “be dressed for action and have your lamps lit”.

Photographs from the ordination can be viewed here.

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