New role will see lay people commissioned as leaders of faith-based education programmes in partnership with priests and parish communities.

“Looking back on it now, such an idea doesn’t take into account the mercy of God who created these children in his own image.”

Rev Malachy Gallagher is preparing for service in the Diocese of Derry and Rev Bill O’Shaughnessy is preparing for service in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

“There has been a significant increase in those attending Third Level. When I started, 7% went on to third level, last year we sent 78%.”

Dawn Eden jokes that she felt she had to be “joyfully chaste” because her conversion wouldn't have been really worth it unless there was some joy to it.

Irish Church needs a church leadership which empowers the laity – the “sleeping giant”.