Diaconal Ministry: Proclaiming the Word
Friday 25th July 2025Today, we continue our series exploring more about the permanent diaconate by taking another look at the three integral pillars of charity, word, and liturgy.
We catch up with Deacon John Walsh, from the parish of St John Henry Newman in Urmston, to learn more about these three strands of diaconal life and what they mean to him in everyday ministry.
“The greatest charity is to bring the word of God to people.”
Deacon John Walsh was ordained a permanent deacon of our diocese in 2022 in a joyful ceremony with three other permanent deacons – the first of our diocese.
During the ordination, Bishop John spoke the powerful words: “Go and proclaim the Gospel whose herald you now are”, indicating the importance and prominence this aspect of the ministry has in the life of the Church.
Whether it’s proclaiming the Gospel, preaching a homily, the call to proclaim the Good News has been at the very heart of diaconal ministry since the very foundations of our Church.
Deacon John said: “It’s about bringing the word to people in a way that communicates the faith effectively and in keeping with the times and situation in which we live.”
“The Church is the living body of Christ, so as it’s living, breathing and growing, it’s changing. The Word of God, the Gospel cannot change and must never be undermined but must be interpreted for the contemporary society in which we live.”
“And that’s a wonderful focus in the ministry of a deacon, because the greatest charity is to bring the word of God to his people.”
In his desire to help people connect to the word of God, Deacon John is pursuing the opportunity to begin a study group that invites people to come and explore more about their faith and ask questions in an informal, social setting.
Deacon John said: “I think there’s a real need because there are so many people who come up to me with questions or looking for a deeper understanding of scripture or Church teaching, but they need an environment in which to ask and seek?
“It’s about giving people a platform to explore and deepen their faith.”
But the strength, wisdom, and grace to carry out this important mission lies in another aspect of diaconal ministry, Deacon John explained.
The most visual aspect of the permanent diaconate, ministry at the altar, assisting the bishop or priest not celebrating but representing the people and helping them unite, and participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass.
Deacon John said: “For me, everything I do has to be rooted in the Gospel but comes through the grace received from the sacraments.
“I can’t fulfil my ministry without the strength gained from the sacraments and the ministry at the altar.
“It inspires you to go out and share the word, which fulfils the third ministry of the diaconate: charity – because as previously mentioned the greatest gift of charity you can share with somebody is the word of God.”
This gift is not solely confined to the idea of preaching, but the idea of accompaniment; walking with people as a fellow parishioner with all the challenges, joys, and experiences of family, work, and prayer life.
But it also has a practical ask – inviting deacons to seek out ways to care for our brothers and sisters at home and around the world, bringing the hope, comfort, and peace of Christ to others in a tangible way.
Deacon John said: “Now it’s about thinking where else I can help, so I’ve been in a period of discernment to see where God is leading me and where there is need, whether that’s for example – hospital visiting, prison visiting, or getting more involved with our diocesan charity, Caritas.
“A life of ministry is a constant journey, what the congregation sees on the altar is the most visible and a crucial part but must lead to service in other areas.
“Now I need to see how else I am being called to fulfil my ministry. And it must be evident in every aspect of your life.
“You can’t just turn it off, or say ‘now I’m a deacon,’ ‘now I’m a dad, ‘now I’m a plumber’. The blessing of the permanent diaconate is that it touches every aspect of your life, and you receive from it far more than you give.
“It’s integral it cannot be separated out; it is who you are.”
Tagged | Permanent Diaconate | Vocations
