In commenting on this year's clerical appointments, Bishop Buckley said that the declining number of priests was impacting more and more throughout the Diocese.
The responsibility for promoting vocations pertains to every parish council and should be an important part of the agenda for each meeting. Vocations always come from a vibrant faith community.
This year, four priests have retired on grounds of age. They are Monsignor Leonard O'Brien, Fr. Tom Riordan, Canon Tom Kelleher and Canon Tadhg O Mathuna. Canon O Mathuna will continue to work as an Assistant Priest in Blackrock.
However, the parishes of Our Lady Crowned, Ballincollig and Bantry are now reduced and the chaplain has been withdrawn from St. Aidan's Community College in Dublin Hill.
Bishop Buckley said that he very much appreciated the assistance of two retired bishops in the Diocese.
Archbishop Coveney, who was formerly Apostolic Nuncio to Greece, continues to work in Crosshaven parish.
Bishop Padraig O'Donoghue has been working as an Assistant Priest in Bantry for the past three years and now will provide assistance to Ballincollig parish.
Bishop Buckley also acknowledged the support of the Religious Orders in filling Diocesan vacancies.
Bishop Buckley has appointed Rev. Dr. Aidan O'Driscoll as Parish Priest of Clonakilty and Vicar General of Ross. Dr. O'Driscoll was formerly President of Farranferris College.
Dr. Noel O'Sullivan has been appointed to the Theology Faculty at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth and Rev. Dr. Charles Kiely has been appointed Director of Pastoral Development to succeed Fr. Sean O'Sullivan who has been appointed Parish Priest of Monkstown/Passage West.
Bishop Buckley said that in making this year's appointments, despite the reduced number available, he has given priority to hospital chaplaincies and the pastoral care of the sick, dying and bereaved.
What community can be without a priest, he asked, when the doctor says that there is no more I can do.
Rt. Reverend Msgr Leonard O'Brien VG to retire.
Very Reverend Canon Tom Kelleher, PP Courceys to retire.
Very Reverend Tom Riordan, PP Kilbrittain to retire.
Canon Tadhg O'Mathuna, PP Blackrock to be AP Blackrock.
Very Reverend Dr Aidan O'Driscoll, PP Mayfield to be PP, VG Clonakilty.
Reverend Seosamh O 'Cochlain, Returning from Sabbatical to be PP Kilmeen/Castleventry.
Very Reverend Dr Noel O'Sullivan PP Glanmire to Theology Faculty, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth.
Very Reverend John Kingston, PP Innishannon to be Adm Bandon.
Very Reverend Jerry Cremin PP Kilmichael to be PP Blackrock.
Very Reverend Michael O'Mahony CC Ballincollig to be PP Courceys.
Very Reverend Martin Keohane to be Adm Skibbereen.
Very Reverend Finbarr Crowley, PP Murragh to be PP Innishannon.
Very Reverend John Newman, PP Monkstown to be PP Glanmire.
Very Reverend Martin O'Driscoll, Adm Skibbereen to be PP Uibh Laoire/ADM Kilmichael.
Reverend Michael Keohane, CC Douglas to be PP Upper Mayfield.
Reverend David O'Connell, CC Bandon to be CC Ballincollig.
Reverend Sean O'Sullivan, Director Pastoral Development to be PP Monkstown, Adm Passage.
Reverend Pat O'Donovan, CC Passage to be CC Kilmichael/ Uibh Laoire, resident in KIlmichael.
Reverend Dr. Charles Kiely to be Director Pastoral Development.
Reverend Chris O'Donovan, Chaplain, St Aidan?s Community College to be Chaplain, CUH/CUMH.
Reverend Ray Riordan, Chaplain CUH/CUMH to be Chaplain St. Finbarr?s /South Infirmary Hospitals.
Reverend Billy O'Sullivan, CC Ballincollig to be CC Turner?s Cross.
Fr. Gerard Thornton MSC to be PP Castlehaven.
Fr. John Heinhold SPS to be Administrator, Pro Tem, Kilbrittain.
Fr. Pat O'Mahony SMA CC Upper Mayfield to be CC Douglas
Fr. Con Cronin, SPS to be CC Passage, Monkstown.