The special ceremony will take place at 12 noon Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney. The initiative is in response to the changing needs of pastoral life and involves the co-ordination and support of pastoral ministry in parishes and pastoral areas.
The volunteer pastoral leaders will work with the clergy, parish secretaries and all those already involved in parish ministry for a three year term. The move is guided, in part, by concerns for the future of the parishes.
Applications were invited over the past two years, and the newly commissioned pastoral leaders have undergone a formation programme accredited by Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
In welcoming the new ministry in the diocese, Bishop Ray Browne said the future Church will be different ‘not better or worse’.
The programme has given the participants an opportunity to develop their faith and their skills. Some of the roles they will undertake may be ones that were traditionally carried out by priests such as bringing communion to the housebound or supporting the schools with preparation for the reception of the Sacraments.
In launching ‘Ministry of Lay Pastoral Leader’ in April 2022, Bishop Browne encouraged people already involved in parish or community activity, and who want to work in their local pastoral area, to apply.