Baptism And Marriages Could Disappear From Some Parishes In Near Future

That's the warning from the Association of Catholic Priest ahead of their AGM in Athlone.

A group representing Catholic priests in Ireland is warning that baptisms and marriages may disappear from some parishes due to the shortage of priests. 

The Association of Catholic Priests, which represents over 1,000 clergymen in Ireland, says reform is urgently needed to prevent parishes from closing across the country. 

It's warned that the Church is facing a 'catastrophic' situation in the next 10 to 20 years as there are not enough male celibate vocations to keep parishes alive. 

Father Paddy Byrne is a priest based in Abbeyleix and he agrees:

He adds that parishes are feeling the pressure:

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