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Apostolic Old Catholic Mission

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Mission news ·

A joyful day of service: Colin de Pelsmaker ordained to the diaconate

With thanksgiving for the ministry of the Reverend Deacon Colin de Pelsmaker.

On Saturday 10 October 2026, during the St Nikolaus celebration of Gemeinschaft St. Nikolaus, the Mass was led by the Reverend Dr Phillip Tropf. At the Langenohlkapelle on the Ostfriedhof in Paderborn, Germany, Archbishop Karl-Michael Soemer ordained Colin de Pelsmaker to the diaconate, with the assistance of the other clergy gathered for the celebration. Archbishop Karl acted on behalf of Bishop Ashley Deutschmann and the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission.

Colin kneels before Archbishop Karl-Michael Soemer during his ordination, accompanied by clergy
Colin’s ordination to the diaconate, 10 October 2026. Open the full-size ordination photo to save or share.

We give thanks to the Gemeinschaft St. Nikolaus and the Bund freier katholischer Gemeinden (Federation of Free Catholic Communities) for their fellowship, and to all who accompanied Colin in prayer. It was a joyful day for the community, for the Mission, and for those gathered to witness this step in Colin’s calling.

Archbishop Karl-Michael Soemer and clergy gathered outdoors following Colin’s ordination
Archbishop Karl and clergy following the celebration. Open the full-size group photo to save or share.

Diaconal ministry is a ministry of service. We pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen Colin in faith, compassion, and faithful service to God’s people. Please join us in congratulating him and holding him in your prayers.

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