This article is from page 21 of the 2011-07-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
THERE are four more priests serving in the Diocese of Killaloe than there were this time last year.
That’s according to the annual list of Diocesan clergy changes, which are being announced by Bishop Kieran O’Reilly today.
Currently there are 99 priests in full-time parish ministry in the Diocese, compared to 95 in 2010.
In addition, there are six priests involved in teaching, school chaplaincy, Diocesan administration and other pastoral work. Eight priests attached to the Diocese are in various ministries overseas, while seven others are retired.
The Diocese also benefits from the service of four priests from other dioceses or religious congregations serving as priests in parishes of the Diocese.
At present there is one student stud- ying for priesthood for the diocese of Killaloe, at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
As part of the changes, Fr Brendan Quinlivan, who is the priest in Feakle, will now also have responsibility as parish priest of Scariff, where Fr Pat Sexton has retired. Newly ordained priest Fr Ger Fitzgerald from Castleconnell in Limerick has been appointed to Ennis, while Fr Ger Jones from O’Brien’s Bridge, who will soon be ordained, will be based in Nenagh.
“With the changes this year we become aware once again of fewer priests available to serve the current pastoral needs of the Diocese. A central concern for me is the well-being of our personnel in ministry – given the age profile of those engaged in ministry in the Diocese. This concern will necessitate a close look at the present organisation of clusters,” said Bishop O’Reilly.
“This year, changes in the East Clare Cluster highlight the need to closely examine the organisation of Mass schedules in this cluster. I hope, after the summer holidays, to visit and meet together with the members of each cluster to deal with similar organisational matters and other issues relevant to the different clusters,” he added.
Among the other changes include Fr James O’Brien moving to reside in Feakle; Fr Michael Collins, Kilrush, moving to the formation staff of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth; Fr Martin Blake, Ennis, moving to Kilrush and Fr Fergal O’Neill to continue as curate in the Cathedral in Ennis and residing in Clarecastle. Fr Michael Cooney will be the Killaloe Diocesan representative on the National Justice and Peace Commission, while retired Bishop Dr Willie Walsh will be available pastorally to the parishes surrounding Ennis.