In what is seen as a groundbreaking move, the Bishop of Ossory, Séamus Freeman has announced a series of ‘Listening Sessions’ to be held throughout the Diocese of Ossory to enable him to listen to what people are feeling about the Church in the aftermath of the Ryan and Murphy Reports and the Pope’s pastoral letter. Speaking this week Bishop Freeman said, “I have asked the three deanery pastoral councils to organise listening sessions that will give an opportunity to all the people of the diocese to express their feelings and have them heard. This will be the beginning of a process of reflective speaking, listening and discernment that will, I hope, be very fruitful as we move forward.”
He added, “All are welcome to attend these meetings. A facilitator will be present and a full report of each meeting will be recorded. Parishioners are invited to attend the venue for their parish but are welcome to attend another gathering if the date or venue is more convenient.”
The sessions commenced on May 4 in Gowran and with the south Kilkenny parishes of Inistoige, Mullinavat, Windgap, Dunamaggan, Aghaviller, Ballyhale and Thomastown who met in Thomastown Concert Hall where the Bishop listened to the views of his flock.
The parishes of Borris-in-Ossory, Seir Kieran, Rathdowney, Camross, Castletown are to meet in Castletown ICA Hall in County Laois on May 10 at 8:00pm while the parishes of Templeorum, Mooncoin, Kilmacow, Slieverue, Glenmore, Rosbercon, Ferrybank will meet in Ferrybank Parish Hall on May 11 at 7:30pm.
The Bishop has also announced that the city parishes of St Canice’s and St John’s will meet in Newpark Hotel on May 13 at 8:00pm while the parishes of Freshford, Galmoy, Urlingford, Johnstown, Durrow, Aghaboe in Johnstown Community Centre on May 14 at 8:00pm.
Venues and dates will be announced later in May for the parishes of Lisdowney, Ballyragget and Conahy, Clogh, Muckalee, Castlecomer, Callan, Ballycallan, Tullaroan, St Patrick’s, St Mary’s and Danesfort parishes.
There will be ten meetings throughout the diocese altogether and the Diocese has confirmed that Bishop Freeman will attend all of them.
SIC: CIN