National Assembly of Deacons

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) invites deacons from across the country to the National Deacons Assembly, taking place from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 September at Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa. 
 
The theme of the assembly will be: Human Dignity Beyond All Circumstances.  The presence and practice of deacons in supporting human dignity in all - and beyond all - circumstances.  

This gathering will reflect on the ministry of deacons today in the light of the Church’s recent declaration Dignitas Infinita, exploring how deacons are called to witness to the infinite dignity of every human person, especially in situations of vulnerability, marginalisation and hardship.

The National Diaconate, representing around 800 permanent deacons across 22 dioceses, in its four-yearly National Deacon Assembly, offers an opportunity for deacons, formators, men in formation, wives, and anyone interested in the diaconate, to come together for prayer and discussion on issues of the day. 

Keynote speakers:
•    Raymond Friel OBE - Dignity in Social Action
•    Avril Baigent - Dignity in Synodality
•    David McLoughlin - Dignity in Scripture

Workshops & Presentations: Marriage & Diaconate, Neurodiversity & Inclusiveness, Domestic Abuse - Safe in Faith, Migration & Culture, Retirement: A New Life Balance, Dying & Bereavement: Pastoral Care; Action Against Poverty, Ministry Research

There is a Gala Dinner with Guest Speaker - Austen Ivereigh, Catholic journalist, commentator and Pope Francis biographer.

Our very own auxiliary Bishop Timothy Menezes, who is the link Bishop for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) with the Diaconate, will be present.

Bishop Timothy will be at the whole of Assembly and celebrate the Assembly Mass on the Sunday morning. CJM will provide the musical liturgy. 

Outline Schedule

Booking Form