On Saturday, May 16, Deacon Andrew ‘Bob’ McGahran (above, center) celebrated his 45th anniversary of ordination. Ordained on May 16, 1981, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton, New Jersey, Deacon Bob has served more than 30 of those years at St. Brendan the Navigator parish in Shalotte, NC.
His call to serve developed gradually, influenced by friends and an unexpected invitation from his parish pastor following a Charismatic Renewal Confernenc.
"A few weeks later, I was talking to the pastor of my parish, when out of the blue, he asked me if I ever considered becoming a permanent deacon,” Deacon Bob explained. "I admit I'm slow, but the message finally got through!"
Ordained at age 44, he entered the diaconate after 20 years of marriage to his wife, Ann, with whom he shares five children. With his wife’s support, he entered formation and began a lifelong commitment to ministry. After ordination, he served at St. Gabriel Parish in Marlboro, NJ and later at St. Thomas More Parish in Manalapan, NJ, where he spent a decade, including five years as a full-time pastoral associate.
Following a move to Carolina Shores, he received permission to minister in the Diocese of Raleigh and began serving at St. Brendan Parish. Now, 30 years later, he continues his ministry there, marking a lifetime dedicated to faith and service.
Deacon Bob served at the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Brendan, where pastor Father Mark Betti and other deacons joined him at the altar in celebration. Following Mass, a reception was held so the entire parish could join in the celebration.
"Of his 45 years of ministry, Bob has spent 30 serving here at St. Brendan,” said Deacon John Mullins. "To serve at the Lord’s table on such a special occasion is truly a joy.”
