Two men ordained Catholic deacons ... in front of their wives in Sussex ceremony

Dominic Dring and Simon South were ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Richard Moth in a different ceremony to normal because of the Covid pandemic.

Only the men’s wives - unlike priests, Catholic deacons are allowed to marry - together with a few priests and 11 fellow deacons and family and friends were able to gather.

Deacon Dominic, from Henfield, has been married to his wife Helen for 27 years and has three children and works as a chaplain in Ford and Lewes Prisons.

Deacon Simon, from Rye, is married to Lynne and has five daughters and 11 grandchildren.

He became a Catholic 11 years ago and, having worked in the retail industry for many years, is now family group adviser for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton.

Bishop Richard said: “It was a real joy for me to ordain both these men to the diaconate. I look forward to working with them over the coming years and to supporting them in their ministry among all people in the diocese, especially those in need.”