St Mary’s Church in Knockmoyle and Corpus Christi in Mountfield, both near Omagh, will no longer host fortnightly Sunday Mass, but will remain available for the local community for individual prayer, funerals, weddings and anniversary events.
In a move announced to parishioners this week, Cappagh Parish acknowledged the decision would be “disappointing and painful” for many, but reflected the “pastoral realities” faced by the clergy in the area.
The funeral of widely respected parish priest Fr Eugene Hasson took place on Friday after he had served the local community for four decades.
Dwindling numbers of Catholic priests and a lack of new recruits to the priesthood has led to fears over the future of many church services.
“Following careful consideration, a new Sunday Mass schedule will come into effect across the parishes of Cappagh and Drumragh on Sunday 25 January,” a letter to parishioners said.
“This will provide a better spread and greater variety of Mass times across our parishes, while also making it easier for both priests to cover all weekend Masses.
“At holiday times, or in the event of sickness, when one of us may be unavailable and external cover cannot be arranged, it may occasionally be necessary to make minor adjustments.
“As part of this reorganisation, we regret that we have had to take the difficult decision to suspend the celebration of Sunday Mass in two of our churches - Corpus Christi, Mountfield, and St Mary’s, Knockmoyle.
“With six churches across our two parishes, it is no longer possible to sustain the same level of Sunday Mass provision in each one.
“This does not mean that these churches cease to function. They will remain available for personal and community prayer and devotion, as well as for funerals, weddings, Month’s Mind and First Anniversary Masses.
“We recognise that this decision will be disappointing and painful for many, especially for those with a deep attachment to these churches.
“It has not been taken lightly, but reflects the pastoral realities we now face. We ask for your understanding, patience, and continued support, and we remain committed to serving both parishes faithfully in the times ahead.”
Some parishioners have expressed their disappointment over the news, including local SDLP councillor Bernard McGrath who said it was a reflection of the times and an increasingly secular society.
“We received the news this week in the parish bulletin that this decision was taken and it’s hugely disappointing,” Cllr McGrath told The Irish News.
“While we are grateful that the chapel can stay open and can be used for other services, we still face the same issues around getting priests to do those services.
“There is no doubt that local clergy in this rural area are under severe pressure. It’s a slippery slope and that’s the sad reality of where we are at today.
“I think of my own parents who are no longer with us and older people who are gone now and I just think that we are letting them down. I’m turning 50 soon, my own kids are in their 20s and wouldn’t even set foot in the chapel.
“Maybe something like this is the kick up the a**e that’s needed to say something needs to change.”
Sean Harper, a local resident who regularly attended mass at St Mary’s, said that many in the community are “heartbroken” at the news, especially considering the historic nature of the church.
“St Mary’s Church, Knockmoyle is a historical Roman Catholic church, known for its traditional architecture and role in the local community, in a picturesque setting,” he said.
“This decision has brought a lot of disappointment and pain for many, especially for those with a deep attachment to the church.”