In a letter which was read on Sunday last at all Masses in the diocese, Bishop Buckley acknowledged that the challenges presented by a declining number of priests gave greater urgency to planning the future for the parishes. "The call of the Second Vatican Council for more lay involvement in the life of the church had nothing to do with an impending shortage of priests, but clearly the lack of priests today and fewer vocations to the priesthood has given great urgency to this way forward. The scarcity of priests is taking hold and we have no choice but to respond to it in practical ways. Our work will not be easy. We must face this uncertain future with joy and hope."
Bishop Buckley had written to all clergy, parish sisters, the chairperson and secretary of each parish council inviting them to a specially convened diocesan meeting on March 9th at which this issue will be presented along with outline proposals. These will then be discussed during the following months at meetings throughout the diocese.
In rural parts of Ireland the clustering of parishes is becoming a growing phenomenon. Priests in these areas are becoming more centralised serving a number of parishes, with congregations made up of people from adjoining areas.
Already, the Irish Catholic Bishop's Conference recently set out a blueprint for the increased involvement of parishioners in the everyday running of parishes.
Lay people must be given greater responsibility and play a more influential role in the development of the church.
There are currently 1,368 parishes in Ireland staffed by 2,500 diocesan priests - a drop of 30 per cent from 50 years ago.
In the Diocese of Cork and Ross there has been a drop of 40 per cent drop in priests since 1990.
In that year there were 175 diocesan priests available to the bishop for appointment while now there are at most 105.
At present there are just four students at Maynooth College studying to become priests within the next six years.
Because of this shortage the number of Masses in the parishes may have to be reduced.
However, Bishop John Buckley said there is every reason to be positive as the Roman Catholic Church has always adapted to changing situations. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce