The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin urged parishioners not to make unreasonable demands of priests and priests to encourage more lay involvement in services as fewer priests are having to do more.
Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Denis Nulty, issued a Pastoral Letter in response to what he called “the new reality” facing the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese.
The Kildare and Leighlin Diocese covers Carlow and parts of Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny, Wicklow and Wexford.
“The decline in the number of priests, as some are recalled by their own orders or returned to their own dioceses, continues to present significant challenges. I am also very conscious of the age profile of our priests, many of them serving parishes, long beyond the acceptable retirement age in the secular world. While we continue to earnestly pray for vocations to the priesthood, we also must deal with these stark realities,” said Bishop Nulty.
Acknowledging how difficult change can be, Bishop Nulty thanked the priests involved in the upcoming changes which will be in effect from September 18.
“Our diocese has 56 parishes and 117 churches who find their home now within 11 Pastoral Areas. This year’s diocesan changes will require adjustments, greater cooperation and a willingness to do things differently at Pastoral Area level,” said Bishop Nulty.
Dramatic changes announced amid shortage of Laois priests
He said the changes will require greater cooperation and a willingness to do things differently at Pastoral Area Level.
He said the shortage of priests “sharpens the focus” on parish schedules and sacramental activities in each parish. It will impact the masses and chaplaincies. He said a reduction in masses will also result in a fear of reduced income.
“I am aware that our priests carry an enormous burden of responsibility and are expected to be available 24/7 to cope with all kinds of situations, meet all kinds of challenges and attend so many gatherings and functions beyond their normal sacramental duties – more than that could be too great a challenge. I ask parishioners not to make unreasonable demands or to have unrealistic expectations of their priest,” said Bishop Nulty.
He said the pastoral needs of parishes are centered around the sacraments and the Eucharist, and these must be the top priority of every priest.
“I have ordained 16 permanent deacons and we have 25 lay pastoral ministry students, who are about to begin Year II of their two-year Diploma. Both are and will be tremendous assets to parishes,” he stated.
“Lay involvement, with the support of priests and deacons, is one way in which we can continue to nourish the faith of all and sustain our parishes as vibrant faith-filled Gospel communities. Lay-led prayer services, funeral and baptism ministries, sacramental preparations and volunteerism around the liturgical life of the church are essential. Supporting each other in these tasks is double edged – priests/deacons need to allow and encourage lay involvement in an even greater way than is happening right now and lay people need to step up into greater roles,” he said.
“I believe we must now pause and step back while thinking about more available and sustainable solutions, praying that the Holy Spirit will help us understand ‘What is God saying to the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin at this time?’
“What we are experiencing in Kildare and Leighlin is no different to any other diocese in Ireland,” he said. He described it as a time that was challenging but also hope-filled.