On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2016, eight men were accepted as candidates for formation for the permanent diaconate during the Ceremony of Candidacy, which took place at St Bartholomew's Church, St Albans.

The ceremony took place during Mass, with Bishop Paul McAleenan presiding and Parish Priest of St Bartholomew's Fr Tim Edgar concelebrating. The eight men are Jonathan Chappell, Ian Coleman, Wayne O’Reilly, Jose Peixoto, Bishop Paul, Fr Tim, Andrew Goodall, Joseph Estorninho, William Lo and Paul O’Connor (pictured in the photo with Bishop Paul and Fr Tim).Also present on the day were the wives of several of the men.

Please keep the men and their families in your prayers.

Photo: Deacon Anthony Clark