“Today, the urgency of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and lay ministry and the question of self-care for priests are ones that must be addressed in a meaningful way" - Bishop Larry Duffy.

Two men are beginning their studies for the priesthood this autumn and a third is embarking on the permanent diaconate.

"The pastoral councils on both islands are vital to the life of the parish. In many ways they are an example of what we are now trying to do on the mainland – lay-led ministry." – Fr Patrick Burke

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