In the Diocese of St. Catharines, we will celebrate our first ordination to the Permanent Diaconate on May 31st this year of seven men of good reputation. This coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of St. Catharines, established on November 26th 1958 on the feast of St. Catharine of Alexandria. There are 46 parishes with 60 priests. The diocese is bounded by Lake Ontatio, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the border with Hamilton. It is a small diocese but well renowned for the growth of grapes and flowers as well as hydroponic vegetables.

We have a large seasonal influx of Central American workers who come to work in the fields and the orchards so it is important for the permanent diaconate to set up a ministry to migrant workers. The Welland Canal runs across the diocese and it is hoped we can establish a maritime ministry soon to look after the “salties and lakers”. The second group of six candidates is in their second year of formation and we are interviewing now for next September.

Any permanent deacons wishing to join us for the ordination ceremony will be well received. The ordination will take place at St. Alfred’s Church since it is larger than the cathedral and has air conditioning as well as space for a reception and good parking. We would be pleased to see any Ontario deacons join us for this special occasion. Contact Deacon George Newman, Director of the office of the Permanent Diaconate, at deacons@vaxxine.com for more detailed information about this event or for any related information.