MASS EXODUS
Warning after more than a third of priests lost from one diocese in a generation
of 50. Mgr Mcguinness said: “There are obvious implications in this for our ability to sustain the levels of pastoral and sacramental provision which have existed until now, as well as the administrative structures within our diocese.”
The monsignor added certain steps “will need to be taken immediately in all parishes so that they can continue to realise their mission”.
He said: “The changes which I am making are the beginning of a process to deal with the reality of the present and the challenge of the future.”
Outlining the changes in a pastoral letter, The Future Mission of Our Parishes, he announced the retirement of four parish priests and the appointment of several existing and new parish priests to take charge of more than one parish. Parishes would no longer be run on an individual basis but depend on neighbouring parishes working together.
He added: “The number of Masses in all parishes will need to be reduced to take account of the new reality.”
There would also be “much more significant lay involvement” with parishioners leading some liturgies.
Monsignor Mcguinness said: “Lay ministry within our church is central to its mission.
“Fully appreciating and expanding the whole range of ministries across our diocese involves both great challenge and exciting potential.” He added the Monsignor Mcguinness
diocese would be looking for new deacons and called on “any men in our diocese who feel called to this ministry to make contact with their local priest”.
Monsignor Mcguinness also called for more vocations to the priesthood, noting without priests there cannot be a celebration of Mass. He encouraged parents to support a son who showed interest in becoming a priest.
Clogher diocese, which is waiting for a new bishop, encompasses all of Co Monaghan, most of Fermanagh and portions of Tyrone, Donegal, Louth and Cavan.
MONSIGNOR MCGUINNESS IN LETTER
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