Together Towards Tomorrow
Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh
and Kilfenora
Parish Restructuring and Renewal
– Update
In the past week, Bishop
Michael and priests of the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora,
together with a number of delegates from the Diocese of Clonfert along with
lay-staff from both Diocesan Offices, met in Co. Clare to discuss and decide on
the next steps in our ongoing process of parish renewal and restructuring in
the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora.
The gathering explored and
acknowledged the challenges facing faith communities across the Diocese. Parishes
now stand at a crossroads, where old structures and old ways of doing things
are often no longer viable. A new vision is required for which new steps urgently
need to be taken. Those present expressed energy and openness for this very
significant task. Conversations will need to be had with parishioners on how
new groupings of parishes might be created and maintained to enable faith
communities across the diocese to actively work together, to share resources
and to cooperate closely at all levels. A group of parishes can do more
together than they could do on their own.
New Norms for Parish
Pastoral Councils and Parish Finance Committees were published and an
invitation is soon to be issued to each parish to reconstitute these important
bodies. A programme of formation for participants in these Parish Pastoral
Councils and Parish Finance Committees will be offered. Bishop Michael plans to
meet members in their respective parish groupings in the coming months to begin
the necessary conversation.
In his closing remarks to the
gathering, Bishop Michael said: “I am convinced that the God who guided us in the past is now prompting
us and provoking us. He is “doing something new” – inviting us to step into a bright and hope-filled future. I
compliment those present for your input here these last days. I would like to
thank all those who made it possible.”
22nd February 2024
