These groupings will permit our individual parishes to become stronger, more alive, and be in a position to offer an even greater level of service in their communities – Bishop Farrell.

Reduction in Masses from 113 to 96 over the weekend of 6 to 7 October 2018 aims to offset the decline in priest numbers and the aging profile of those still in ministry.

Of the 58 priests who are active in parishes, some 28 of these are over the age of 65. Only seven priests are under the age of 50.

Limerick diocesan visit to Paris looked at how parishes there have dealt with the vocations decline and changing arrangements in the past decades.