On Saturday 21 November Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth visited Allen Hall seminary to ordain two candidates to the Diaconate. John Scott was ordained for service here in Westminster, and alongside him was Ross Bullock, who will serve in Bishop Philip’s diocese. Visitors and supporters included friends from John’s previous ministry in the Church of England and from Ross’s teaching career.

Referring to the day’s feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Egan spoke of Our Lady’s complete self-giving in obedience to the will of the Father as a sign of the commitment which the new deacons were to make, both in their promise of celibacy and in their willingness to embrace Christ as their model of service to God’s people.

Deacon John has already been working in the Catholic parishes of Borehamwood at weekends and will continue to serve there in his new role.