On Saturday 4th July, we will celebrate the Ordination of Ted Patulan to the Permanent Diaconate in St Mary’s Cathedral at 11am
Ted shares with us his personal reflections ahead of the day.
“As I approach the day of my ordination as a permanent deacon, I am profoundly aware that it is only by God’s grace that I have reached this moment. Juggling the responsibilities of a young family, full-time work, and the demands of diaconal formation was never easy. There were times when the path felt overwhelming. Yet God’s grace proved more than sufficient. Time and again, just when I needed it most, everything fell into place: work shifts were rearranged to allow me to attend formation sessions, and help with childcare appeared at the most critical moments.
“I have also witnessed God’s grace alive in the people around me. Our diocesan formation team offered constant understanding and steadfast support. Parishioners patiently guided me as I learned to serve at the altar. Friends generously stepped in to care for our children when my wife Sheryl needed to work and I was away for training. Above all, I am deeply grateful for Sheryl, who held our domestic church together with love and quiet strength whenever I could not be home.
“Twelve months ago, as I prepared to enter the final year of formation, I paused to examine my heart and asked whether the calling was still alive within me. I am thankful that it was, and still is. My response to the Lord remains unchanged: “Here I am.” Yet I have come to realise that this “yes” carries even greater depth. It calls me to serve my family more fully, to be a more loving husband to Sheryl and a more present, dedicated father to our four children. It also means committing myself to serve God’s people, especially those living on the margins of society.
“I have come to see that the diaconate is not limited to work with the poor. The deacon’s ministry of service embraces many dimensions: spirituality, the Church’s structure and mission, catechesis, family and parish life, and outreach to the wider community beyond parish boundaries.
“Reading the “signs of the times” in union with the universal Church, I recognise that our society faces profound new challenges in an age marked by war and conflict, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, energy crises, and complex socioeconomic difficulties. There is a necessity for the deacon to proclaim the Gospel in a way that speaks directly to our present reality, ensuring that no one is left behind and that the Lord’s love reaches people in real, tangible ways.
“Dioceses endure significant trials, and I believe the deacon is called to be an instrument of mercy and healing in such times. Moreover, the deacon must continually foster unity and communion — with the universal Church, with our Bishop, within the parish, and with those who stand outside its visible boundaries.
“I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me and my family throughout this journey of diaconal formation. As I begin this new chapter as a permanent deacon, I humbly ask once again that you keep me and my family in your prayers.”
We will share photographs from the Ordination Mass next week.