Addressing a recent Diocese of Limerick Annual Assembly, Bishop Leahy said that the importance of working together can be seen in many areas of life and pointed to the success of the Limerick senior hurling team as a powerful local example of what can be achieved through teamwork, commitment and a shared spirit.
Working together, he said, is what builds strong, vibrant communities that shelter, encourage and nurture.
“You can imagine the Limerick hurling team wouldn’t get far if they just saw themselves as 15 individual players,” Bishop Leahy said. ”What makes the team great is the teamwork and spirit. We know they work on that.”
Reflecting on the theme of togetherness, the Bishop said that faith is not simply a private matter but one that calls people into community and service of others. He encouraged parish communities to continue strengthening local connections, building welcoming environments and supporting one another in faith and daily life.
“It’s when we act as community we are at our best. Think of how we celebrate together as a people, the joy we get in that. Think also of how we come together to support people at times of need and the support we give in that,” he said.
“God didn’t save us simply as individuals. He saved us as a people, to be the ‘People of God’,” he said. ”For Christians, there is a triangle we need to remember: me, my neighbour and God.”
The diocesan gathering brought together clergy, parish volunteers, ministry leaders and people involved in a wide range of parish and diocesan initiatives. The programme highlighted the breadth of activity taking place across the Diocese, with participants encouraged by the scale of engagement and outreach underway in local communities.
The delegates were also briefed on the National Synodal Assembly taking place this Saturday, October 17th. Bishop Leahy described this as a significant milestone for the Irish Synodal Pathway on its five-year journey to date since it started in 2021. The guiding question that has accompanied the Synodal Pathway in Ireland is: “What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?”.
At the gathering next Saturday, some 300 nominated delegates, including seven from Limerick, will gather to consider and make recommendations on suggested actions arising from the five years of listening and discernment. Following the Assembly, the proposals that are approved will be presented to the bishops of Ireland for their consideration.
Bishop Leahy also announced that a Limerick Diocesan Synod will be held on March 13th, 2027.
Summing up the spirit of the gathering, Bishop Leahy said that while many people can feel isolated within their own parish, coming together reveals the extensive work and commitment that exists across the Diocese.
“When we join up the dots, there is a lot going on,” he said. ”We should be thankful for that and find new strength to go forward.”