Bishop Gavin read his message on Sunday to pilgrims attending the annual mass at St Finbarr’s Oratory, in Gougane Barra.
In a time of unprecedented change in society and the Catholic Church in Ireland, people are understandably concerned about their parish’s future, he said.
‘Many have a strong attachment to their local church, some worry about the sustainability of their preferred mass times, and some communities miss having a resident priest,’ the Bishop added.
He noted that priests across the diocese are continuing to deal with unprecedented change. ‘I recognise and appreciate the selfless generosity of our priests as they meet increasing demands,’ he said.
He also said that it was now clear that the church of the present and the future will have an enhanced role for lay leaders. ‘We can only answer these questions and challenges together,’ Bishop Fintan said.
Each Family of Parishes will be invited to participate in spring-time gatherings focused on prayer, listening and discernment.
Meetings with priests have already been held to prepare for these gatherings, and planning meetings with representatives from all the Families of Parishes will be held in November and December.
There will also be engagement with schools, chaplaincies, and others.
The bishop’s message was read at all masses in the diocese last weekend and is available on www.corkandross.org.