Francis Tulloch: I have basically been doing the same thing that I have been doing as a politician, which is serve the people. The only difference is that my master has changed. - Rudolph Brown/Photographer

Western Bureau:

Former politician Francis Tulloch, whose association with the Church dates back to his childhood days as an altar boy at St Theresa's Church in Vineyard Town, Kingston, is poised to fulfil one of his lifelong ambitions this weekend.

The charismatic former tourism minister, whose childhood ambition was to serve the Church, possibly as a priest, will be officially ordained as a deacon in the Catholic faith this Saturday morning at 11 o'clock in a ceremony slated for Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Montego Bay, St James.

"I grew up in the Church and I have pretty much stayed in the Church all my life," said Tulloch, who is also an attorney-at-law. "I might have strayed once as a student, but I never went too far. I am a churchman at heart."

Tulloch's transition to an adult church leader started some four years ago when he commenced studies to become a deacon. Last year he moved a step closer when he was installed as an acolyte during a ceremony at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Seaford Town, Westmoreland.

"It has been four years of intense preparation but it has been most fulfilling," said Tulloch, who is now the assistant pastor at St Mary's Church in Cambridge, St James. "I have basically been doing the same thing that I have been doing as a politician, which is serve the people. The only difference is that my master has changed."

Embracing the teachings of the Church has not been difficult for Tulloch as, in addition to his involvement as an altar boy, his faith was further strengthened as a student at St George's College, where his peers included the likes of Father Richard Ho Lung, the founder and director of the renowned Missionaries of the Poor.

Happy with course of life

"It has always been my ambition to do God's will so I am quite happy with the course my life has taken," stated the former West Central St James member of parliament. "I am looking forward to continuing my service, especially to the poor and needy."

In reflecting on his time as assistant pastor in Cambridge, Tulloch said it has been a fantastic experience which he plans to continue after he is officially ordained on Saturday.

"It is really not about me, it is about the people," he declared. "The Bishop assigned me to Cambridge and it has been an absolute pleasure working with these humble God-fearing people."

Since he was ordained an acolyte, which is a prerequisite to becoming a deacon, Tulloch has been carrying out functions such as holding communion services, serving communion and, most important, ministering to his congregation.

As Saturday approaches, Tulloch said he was totally at peace with himself as he awaits his ordination as a deacon. In fact, he is quite enthused about going out to seek souls for God's kingdom with the same urgency with which he used to seek votes.

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com