Bishop says greater demands on priests will require greater lay involvement

The Bishop of Clogher, Larry Duffy has spoken of the challenges that priests are facing in his own and other dioceses throughout the country. 

And he has said that greater demands being placed on priest numbers that are dwindling, will need calls for change and greater lay involvement.

The Diocese includes the Magh Ene Parish of Bundoran and parts of Ballyshannon. Bishop Duffy was speaking during his homily at the Chrism Mass in St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan, this morning on Holy Thursday.

The Chrism Mass is one of the oldest and most solemn liturgies of the Church.

Welcoming priests working in the diocese from Nigeria and Pakistan, he hoped that they were adjusting to the Irish culture and weather.

“This is a more normal Holy Thursday where Covid is no longer a main item on the daily news. The last three years have taught us some truths; our need of others and the

importance of personal contact and friendship,” he said. 

He added that in recent times, the Universal church has been on a synodal journey.

“On this Holy Thursday, as we thank God for the gift of priesthood, it is appropriate that we hear what people are saying about priesthood and ministry,” he added.

As part of that Synodal journey and feedback, it had been recognised that many of the respondents reported that clergy are overworked and others respondents had noted the deep appreciation and affection for faithful and dedicated priests, and this had been coupled with a concern about the many demands they face.

He said “recent months have not been easy for the priests of Clogher. An increasing number of you have been most generous in helping neighbouring parishes where there is no priest”.

In thanking them for their generosity, he explained: 

“There is no easy solution, but the future calls for change and greater lay involvement. And prayer for vocations to the priesthood is so important . . . our year of prayer for vocations, starting later this month, is our effort to do this when we invite especially the young to “Take the risk for Christ.”

The Diocese of Clogher encompasses all of County Monaghan, virtually all of County Fermanagh and portions of Counties Tyrone, Donegal, Louth and Cavan. 

There are 37 parishes and 85 churches, served by 44 priests in parish ministry and two deacons.  

The Chrism Mass is one of the oldest and most solemn liturgies of the Church. 

It is celebrated annually on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral. 

During the Chrism Mass the Bishop consecrates the oil of Chrism which is used to anoint the newly baptised, to seal candidates for Confirmation and to anoint the hands of newly-ordained priests.