Why be a permanent deacon?

Deacon Matthew Meade describes how his role as a permanent deacon in Portobello, Edinburgh, integrates with his life as a married father of three and a mathematics teacher.

Meade, who was ordained at age 42, notes that his ministry fits around his professional and family responsibilities. He explains that many deacons work in demanding professions such as teaching or nursing, which allows them to serve the parish during their time away from work. He grew up in Dundee in a large family and pursued a degree in pure mathematics before eventually studying theology.