Three deacons to be ordained for Archdiocese of Tuam

THREE men from north Galway and Mayo will become the first permanent deacons in the Tuam Archdiocese when they are ordained at the Cathedral of the Assumption next month.

Cathal Galligan from Corofin, Julian Drapiewskie from Athenry and James McLoughlin from Carnacon were among six candidates, all of whom are married, who commenced their studies in 2017 after the Deaconate Programme was launched by Archbishop Michael Neary to address the continuing decline in clergy numbers throughout the archdiocese.

Permanent deacons can baptise, conduct funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion and witness marriages.

Read the full story in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops and online www.tuamherald.ie