On Sunday 28th June, the Free Church of England celebrated the ordination of the Rev’d John Deane-O’Keeffe to the Order of Deacons during a joyful and well-attended service at St Andrew’s Church, Bentley.
John is an academic and teaches criminology in the universities of Dublin and Oxford.
The ordination was conducted by the Right Rev’d Dr Paul Hunt, Bishop Primus, assisted by the Rev’d Canon Dr Mark Spiers and the Rev’d Henry Birtley, of St Andrew’s, Bentley, together with the Rev’d Athanasios Velianitis, recently ordained to the diaconate in the Free Church of England, the Venerable Dr Bob Stephen, General Secretary of the Free Church of England, and the Rev’d Eric Fenwick, of Christ Church, Leigh-on-Sea.
The sermon was preached by the Rev’d Eric Fenwick, who encouraged the ordinand to remain steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel, faithfully serving Christ’s Church, and leading others to know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The celebration of Holy Communion formed part of the service, as clergy, family, friends, and members of the congregation gathered together in worship and thanksgiving.
The hymns, Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah and Be Thou My Vision were all played by the Archdeacon Bob on the piano. Other music throughout the service was beautifully led by the Donaghue Quartet, invited by the Deacon John, whose contribution added greatly to the joy and reverence of the occasion.
St Andrew’s Church was filled to capacity with family, friends, clergy, and supporters who had gathered to witness this significant milestone in John’s ministry. Among those present were several family members and friends who had travelled from Dublin to share in this special day, together with those who travelled from various parts of England, reflecting the strong support and encouragement surrounding his vocation.
A Reflection from the Rev’d John Deane-O’Keeffe
There are moments in life that remain etched in the memory forever, and for me, Sunday 28th June at St Andrew’s Church, Bentley, will always be one of them. Surrounded by my wonderful wife, Nicola, children Genevieve, Victoria, Oliver, Georgie and Catherine, family, friends, congregation, and accompanied by the magnificent voices of The Donaghue Quartet, I was ordained into our denomination in a service filled with joy, thanksgiving and more than a little emotion. Thankfully (apart from the Rev’d Eric Fenwick’s impressive early tumble!) there were no dropped hymn books or forgotten lines.
Of course, ordination is not the destination—it is the starting line. Preparations are now well underway to establish a new REC/FCE church plant in Dublin, with services, God willing, beginning this September on the first and third Sundays of each month. In addition, on the final Sunday of every month until Christmas, I will be joining The Rev’d Eric Fenwick at Christ Church, Leigh-on-Sea, for a series of reflective services exploring the Seven Deadly Sins—asking not only what they meant centuries ago, but what they might reveal about our own lives today. Thought-provoking, conversational and (mercifully) not nearly as deadly as they sound. I hope to welcome many of you along over the coming months.
Following his ordination, the Deacon John now looks ahead to the next stage of his ministry as he prepares to establish St Augustine’s Church in Dublin, Ireland, a new church plant under the oversight of the Reformed Episcopal Church. This exciting mission represents an important step in the Church’s ongoing commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and planting faithful Anglican congregations both within the United Kingdom and beyond.
Please pray for the Rev’d John as he begins this new chapter of ministry, for the successful planting of St Augustine’s, and for all those whom God is calling to Himself through this new work in Dublin.
“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)