And he said there is a general consensus that the way forward for the diocese involves greater participation of lay people in all aspects of parish life and the evolving role of the parish pastoral councils.
In a pastoral letter just published, titled Moving forward in hope, Bishop Ray Browne said during the spring months, people in the diocese and the clergy engaged in a series of conversations about the future of its parishes and a vision for the future of parishes began to emerge.
He said parishes expressed a desire to retain their individual identity but participants appreciated the particular ministry of priests.
They also highlighted the need to develop the roles of lay people in parish life and people voiced the need to reach out and enable younger generations to participate in parish life.
“A diocesan planning group explored how we could best respond to the feedback from the various conversations. The feedback clarified our vision for the future of parishes and pastoral areas,” Bishop Browne said.
That vision outlines:
That the pastoral council in each parish, accountable to a named priest in the pastoral area, co-ordinates pastoral activities and enables parishioners to play an active role
That priests and deacons exercise their pastoral and sacramental roles, ministering alongside the other clergy of the pastoral area. However, priests will not be expected to sustain local management roles or attend all parish meetings
That the diocese will support parishes to deepen their spirit of mission to reach out to all in their community, especially to younger generations
That the area pastoral councils will continue to promote and enable cooperation between neighbouring parishes
That there will be ongoing promotion for vocations to priesthood, to religious life, to the permanent diaconate and to lay vocations
That each parish will retain its identity and its autonomy to manage finance, sacraments, liturgy and mission, involving greater active participation of laity, supported by the diocese.
“We asked each of the parish pastoral councils to reflect on our proposed vision. This was accepted though some expressed the need for more training if they are to function as envisaged,” the bishop explained.
He said moving forward, the first steps of a plan of action are in place and the journey involves translating words into deeds.
The key requirements are to enhance the role of parish pastoral council, provide the required training, gather a profile of the parish to get a clear overview of strengths and weaknesses, foster involvement of regular Mass goers to play an active part in the parish’s mission and engage with hard-to-reach groups in the parish, particularly the younger generations.
“Our diocesan conversation mirrors what is happening in our Church worldwide. Pope Francis has encouraged us to converse synodally so that all voices are heard, all aspects of Church life and all situations of the people of God are appreciated and respected,” Bishop Browne stressed.