DEACONS Minje Kim, Gerard Lai and Isaac Falzon are ready to serve the community after Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Ken Howell ordained the trio to the transitional diaconate yesterday at the Holy Spirit Chapel, on Australian Catholic University’s Banyo campus.
Bishop Howell outlined the important work deacons provided in the community including ministering in prisons, hospitals and aged-care facilities.
“This type of ministry implies that the deacon is closely associated and understands in a particular way, the needs of the People of God,” he said.
Bishop Howell asked the trio to use their youthful energy to serve and set an example in their speech, conduct, purity, love and faith.
He cited a reading from Jeremiah and asked the newly ordained deacons to “not be afraid” and to go “where God sends you”.
“As a minister of the Word, you cannot expect popularity or acceptance or whole-hearted welcome,” he said.
“This will no doubt lead to questioning.”
However, Bishop Howell said every moment of doubt was “an invitation to reassess and grow”.
He quoted St Teresa of Kolkata and reminded the trio to “go out of yourself and your comfort zone”.
“You will go out, and in going out, be assured that Christ always walks with you,” he said.
