Bishop Willie (Wishy Washy) Walsh of the Diocese
of Killaloe has issued an appeal to the laity throughout his diocese - which covers most of Clare, a parish in Limerick, part of Tipperary, Leitrim and Laois - to come forward and play an active role in their parishes.
He envisages 'a new model of the Church' which has already been well underway for the last few years with the amalgamation of some parishes and others which had to go without full time clergy for a while.
The now 72 year old bishop retires in 3 years time and faces a major challenge even before then as his clergy are almost as aged as himself:
109 priests currently serve in the diocese of which just over half are aged 65 and over and a third of the total again are over 75 so it is like this:
At least 54 clergy are over 65, with at least 36 clergy aged 75 and over so not exactly balancing the diocesan needs with available resources an issue that needs to be resolved.
At present there are 3 students studying for the diocese but it certainly is a long, long way off from meeting any demands and requirements for some time, if ever.
Ah well, in 3 years time, it will not be his concern but then again he may decide to go back into active retired ministry himself and fill his Sunday with a Mass or two wherever the need arises.
The only issue of concern now is who will take the crozier and mitre then and if it will be an insider of the diocese...if there are any real contenders left...
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