This article is from page 8 of the 2011-08-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
THE fact that two priests are being ordained in the Diocese of Killaloe within weeks of each other is a sign of hope and encouragement.
That’s according to Diocesan communications officer Fr Brendan Quinlivan, who said the ordinations of Fr Ger Fitzgerald and Ger Jones create much positivity.
Fr Fitzgerald, from Castleconnell in Limerick, has taken up a post in Ennis, having recently been ordained, while Ger Jones from O’Briensbridge will be ordained on Sunday, August 21. He will be based in Nenagh.
“It is a cause of huge joy to us in the Diocese to welcome two new priests. It’s a wonderful sign of hope. It gives us great encouragement in our Ministry that young men are willing to take on that challenge,” said Fr Quinlivan.
“The priesthood is a wonderful, fulfilling life. It is filled with more joy than sorrow. It is a source of joy and true happiness and fulfillment,” he said.
He believes that despite the negativity surrounding the Church, overall there is a positive attitude towards priests.
“A lot of what has been spoken about in the public domain in relation to priesthood has been largely negative. Yet we are all deeply enriched by it. The vast majority of our people are still phenomenally positive towards our clergy,” he added.
“We are no longer perceived as being on a pedestal; rather we are seen as we walk alongside people. We don’t stand ahead or behind them,” said Fr Quinlivan.
“In recent times the number of young men considering and actually pursuing a vocation to the priesthood has declined.
“This year is very special for us (with two ordinations). We currently only have one student studying for the priesthood in the Diocese,” he said.
He said that the trend of clusters of parishes – whereby parishes are grouped together – which have been established in recent years is poised to continue. This is necessary due to a shortage of priests.
“One of the things that we would always do at an ordinary ceremony is we welcome a new brother into the priesthood. It’s like becoming part of a close family. We work closely together.
“Clusters are important in that this is the way we are meant to administer to others, to work together, to bring about change,” said Fr Quinlivan.