St. Mary’s Church, Lanesborough, was the setting for a special and prayerful celebration on Saturday, 5 September 2026, as three men were formally admitted to Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconate.The Vigil Mass brought together family members, friends, parishioners, clergy and members of the wider Church community to support the three candidates as they took another important step in their journey of formation and discernment.The three candidates are:Steven Donohoe
Diocese of Ardagh & ClonmacnoisWilker Antonio Da Costa
Diocese of Achonry & ElphinRichie O’Brien
Diocese of Achonry & ElphinThe celebration was particularly significant as the three candidates came together from two diocesan communities to mark this stage of their respective journeys towards the Permanent Diaconate.

What is Admission to Candidacy?

Admission to Candidacy is an important formal stage in the process of preparing for ordained ministry.The Rite of Admission to Candidacy marks the point at which a man publicly expresses his commitment to continue his preparation and discernment for the Permanent Diaconate, while the Church formally recognises and accompanies him in that journey.It is important to note that Admission to Candidacy is not ordination. The candidates still have a period of formation and discernment ahead of them before the possibility of ordination to the diaconate.The journey involves continued prayer, theological and pastoral formation, spiritual growth, study and service, allowing each candidate to deepen his relationship with Christ and discern more fully the call to serve the Church and the wider community.At the heart of the Permanent Diaconate is the vocation to service — following Christ who came not to be served, but to serve.

The Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Paul Connell, Bishop of Ardagh & Clonmacnoise, and Most Rev. Kevin Doran, Bishop of Achonry and Elphin.The presence of both Bishops reflected the coming together of the diocesan communities represented by the candidates and the importance of the occasion within the life of the Church.The celebration also provided an opportunity for the wider community to pray for vocations to ordained ministry and to remember in prayer all those currently discerning their vocation.The support of family and friends is an important part of the candidates’ journey. Their presence at the Mass served as a reminder that a vocation is never lived in isolation, but is supported by a community of faith.

For Steven, Wilker and Richie, the journey of formation and discernment continues. The months and years ahead will provide further opportunities for prayer, study, pastoral experience and spiritual growth as they continue to discern their call to the Permanent Diaconate.As they continue this journey, the parish and wider diocesan communities are asked to keep them, their families and their formation teams in prayer.