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