It's in response to the declining number of of priests.
Bishop Fintan Monahan has announced the Killaloe Diocesan Appointments for 2022, which now includes the appointment of lay people to the Ministry of Pastoral Care and Ministry of Catechist.
While largely covering parishes in Co. Clare, the Diocese of Killaloe also includes parts of Limerick, Tipperary and Offaly - namely the Birr, Shinrone, Kilcoman and Kinnitty areas.
Announcing the news Bishop Fintan said;
“In 2018, an innovative decision was taken to introduce two new lay ministries in the Killaloe Diocese as part of the diocesan response to a changed situation where numbers of priests are steadily declining in our Church.
"The two new ministries would work alongside priests and people in parishes and pastoral areas across the Diocese helping local Christian Communities to reach out to the wider community and easing the burden of work on the diminishing number of priests in the Diocese."
Ministry of Pastoral Care
“This Ministry includes visiting those who are ill or elderly at home or in nursing homes and having a special care for those who are isolated or on their own in the community. They will be available to offer sensitive care to those who are bereaved according to their wishes and needs or to help families at times of funerals through, for example, helping to prepare funeral liturgies which are meaningful to families."
Ministry of Catechist
“The focus of Ministry of Catechist is on helping people in their own faith development. This ministry will take different forms depending on local needs, reaching out to families at significant moments in the family faith story.”
Bishop Fintan Monahan went on to say “I offer my sincere thanks to all the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese for the ongoing good work, dedication and generosity of service in the diocese. Every good wish and blessing to all who take on a new role this summer.”
Appointments will take effect from Friday 26 August for the duration of three years.
The list of Diocesan Appointments for Offaly parishes are as follows:
Clergy
Father Michael Harding, Co-PP, Cronan Pastoral Area, resident in Roscrea to go on sabbatical leave for one year.
Father Pat Treacy, Co-PP, Cronan Pastoral Area, resident in Roscrea to go on sabbatical leave for one year.
Father John Molloy, Co-PP, Ollatrim Pastoral Area, resident in Toomevara to be Co-PP Cronan Pastoral Area, resident in Roscrea and VF.
Father Francis Xavier Kochuveettil, CC, Tradaree Pastoral Area, resident in Shannon to be Co-PP, Ollatrim Pastoral Area to be resident in Toomevara.
Father Antun Pasilic, newly ordained, resident in Cathedral House, Ennis to be CC, Cronan Pastoral Area, resident in Roscrea.
Ministers
Gemma Brugha, Pastoral Care, Appointment to Ollatrim Pastoral Area to the Ministry of Pastoral Care in Cloughjordan Parish and outreach to migrants and refugees in the surrounding area.
Anne Marie Custy, Catechist, Appointment to Abbey Pastoral Area to support Sacramental Preparation Processes with specific responsibility in Doora-Barefield Parish.
Veronica Dalton, Catechist, Appointment to Brendan Pastoral Area to support Sacramental Preparation Processes with special responsibility in Kinnitty Parish.
Joan Hogan, Catechist, Appointment to the Brendan Pastoral Area to support Sacramental Preparation Processes with specific responsibility in Birr Parish.
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