"We're living in an ever-changing environment with regards to the church and it's important to know what the needs are of young people, the elderly and new people coming in."
That's according to the Bishop of Kilmore Martin Hayes who is encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to think about contributing their gifts and talents to parish life across the diocese.
The Diocese of Kilmore is inviting parishioners to take part in a series of information evenings this month that will explore the important contribution that lay people can make in their local communities.
According to Bishop Hayes, Parish Pastoral Councils looks at how the parish is meeting the needs of people within the parish.
He explained that parishes right across the diocese are in "crisis" with less priests.
The Diocese of Kilmore is facing a severe priest shortage, with roughly 60% of its clergy over the age of 65 and only one-third under 60.
Despite this, the Bishop of Kilmore believes every crisis is an opportunity for more lay people have got involved.
Bishop Hayes said there is a danger that we limit church to what happens inside it, however a parish is all about reaching out to all people who are living within it.
Speaking to Northern Sound, he said it's important that Parish Patrol Council have inks with all organisation within a parish.
He said the information evenings an opportunity to find out more, ask questions and consider the many ways in which parishioners can become involved in the life of their local Church.