THE PORTAL February 2019 Page 3 Three New Deacons Keith Brown reports O n Saturday 12th January Bishop John Wilson, Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Westminster, ordained Alastair Ferguson, John Tee and Michael Thomson as transitional deacons at the request of the Ordinary, Monsignor Keith Newton. The ordinations took place at Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street and the candidates were supported by friends and relations from around the country and beyond. Alastair, John and Michael will serve their local areas (Scotland, Yorkshire and the South East) and expect to be ordained into the priesthood in July. The Mass was celebrated boldly by Bishop John even though it happened to be the first time for him in celebrating the Mass according to Divine Worship. He was in fine voice, and so were the members of the choir who sang Mozart’s Spazenmesse (Sparrow Mass) and Sir Edward Bairstow’s Jesu, the very thought of thee. Psalm 84, set to an Anglican Chant by Sir Hubert Parry was also sung and the propers were chanted. The hymns reminded us that we were still in Epiphany tide and included From the eastern mountains, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and Crown Him with many crowns. The organ voluntary was Finale from Widor’s Symphony No. 2, originally written for Christmas Day. Monsignor Keith reminded all of us in his homily of the importance of the role of the deacon. He reminded Alastair, John and Michael that the dalmatic is also worn by the Bishop underneath his chasuble to remind him that he too remains a deacon forever; a faithful servant of the church and to the people, spreading the good news of Christ. We keep these men in our prayers, who were clothed with the garment of salvation, with the vesture of praise, and covered with the dalmatic of righteousness. May the Lord continue to uphold them in this new chapter in serving the Catholic Church within the Ordinariate. Deacons Alastair Ferguson, John Tee and Michael Thomson