Three parishes in the Kerry Diocese are each to lose a priest in the latest round of transfers and changes announced by Bishop Bill Murphy.The number of clergy in Rathmore parish is being reduced from three to two and from two to one in both Caherciveen and Dingle.
Fr Gearoid Godley, the diocese’s co-ordinator of pastoral development, conceded there would be "quite a challenge" facing the remaining priests in those parishes.
Fr Gearoid Godley, the diocese’s co-ordinator of pastoral development, conceded there would be "quite a challenge" facing the remaining priests in those parishes.
"While there are now fewer priests, people’s expectations are still the same," he said. "The workload remains the same and is even more challenging in some ways. What is encouraging, however, is the increased involvement of lay people in parishes."
Upwards of 7,000 people were giving their time voluntarily to church work which was a welcome development and the way things should be going, he said.
There are no students from the diocese in training for the priesthood at present, but Fr Godley said there were hopes a number would begin studies later this year.
Three priests in the diocese, which also includes parts of Co Cork, are retiring.
Upwards of 7,000 people were giving their time voluntarily to church work which was a welcome development and the way things should be going, he said.
There are no students from the diocese in training for the priesthood at present, but Fr Godley said there were hopes a number would begin studies later this year.
Three priests in the diocese, which also includes parts of Co Cork, are retiring.
They are Fr Philip O’Connell, PP Ballylongford, Fr Patrick Sugrue PP Killeentierna, and Fr Jim Browne CC from Gneeveguilla/Rathmore.
Fr Godley said, in the past, newly-ordained priests filled gaps left by those retiring, but the diocese now had to do its best with a declining number of priests.
Bishop Murphy has, for many years, advocated a greater role for lay people in the work of the church.
The latest clerical changes take effect on July 25.
Fr Godley said, in the past, newly-ordained priests filled gaps left by those retiring, but the diocese now had to do its best with a declining number of priests.
Bishop Murphy has, for many years, advocated a greater role for lay people in the work of the church.
The latest clerical changes take effect on July 25.