And, Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy expressed his gratitude to priests moving from parishes under this year’s diocesan changes, acknowledging that moving away is not easy for priest or parish but is by way of necessity.
Some 13 changes have been announced for the diocese and are, according to Bishop Leahy, part of an ongoing transition for a Church with significantly reducing clergy numbers.
Bishop Leahy said that due to the fall-off in vocations, the Church must adapt so that it can continue to provide for the spiritual needs of the faithful.
“Adapting,” he said, “involves clergy changes, more lay involvement and, indeed, working closer together as a Church.”
Two of the 13 changes this year relate to retirements, with Fr Eugene Boyce (of Adare, Cappagh, Croagh-Kilfinny, and Askeaton-Ballysteen) and Fr Joseph Hayes SJ (Donoghmore, Knockea, Roxboro Our Lady Queen of Peace and Holy Family) retiring this year.
“Appointments involve moving, change, re-adjustments for priests,” Bishop Leahy said.
“It is, indeed, an unsettling time and increasingly so for priests as they age. I am grateful to them for their generous willingness to take up new appointments. I am grateful to all priests who work quietly day by day in the service of people at key moments of family life – baptisms, family celebrations, weddings, and funerals.”
Bishop Leahy also recognised the difficulties that changing ministry can bring, saying “it’s an element of the Cross in the life of Diocesan priests”.
While the fall-off in priests continues to present significant challenges, Bishop Leahy said that there are “green shoots” emerging in terms of lay ministry.
This September the diocese will ordain Tim Collins from Croagh as a Deacon, who will begin his ministry in St Nessan’s Pastoral Unit in the parishes of Patrickswell-Ballybrown, Mungret-Crecora-Raheen, St Paul’s, Kildimo-Pallaskenry, and Kilcornan.
Separately, over 20 people in the diocese have completed their lay-ministry programme and have taken up voluntary roles across parishes and communities.
Bishop Leahy also invited any young man who might be considering priesthood to make contact with the Diocese or local clergy.
“Most priests find great joy in ministry and recognise how fulfilling a life it has been for them. I would also encourage parents to sow the seed of the idea of vocation in the minds and hearts of their children,” he said.