The recommendation to lift the restriction on ordaining married men limits it to those who are already permanent deacons and to the Church in the Amazon.
Two men are beginning their studies for the priesthood this autumn and a third is embarking on the permanent diaconate.
“We have to face the fact that at the moment there are [fewer] priests than we were used to, and this has an effect on how parishes operate. Obviously, there is a whole richness within the laity that hasn’t been tapped into.”
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.
Two transitional deacons ordained by Bishop Denis Nulty for Irish Dominicans while Bishop Brendan Kelly ordains the diocese of Achonry's first two permanent deacons.
Call for every diocese in the country to hold off on the introduction of the permanent diaconate until the Vatican’s commission on women deacons has made its report.
“At present, there are 90 priests ministering in our diocese; 27 of them are over 75. This stark figure reminds us that a radical reappraisal of what a parish community should be, how it should be organised, co-ordinated, funded and ministered, is necessary.”
“It is going to become more and more a normal feature of life ... because many of those ordained will be coming in contact with us at funerals and weddings, baptisms, etc.”
First ever meeting of permanent deacons, candidates for the permanent diaconate and their wives from all around Ireland.
Fr Shane (27) is the newest priest in Waterford & Lismore and one of fifteen ordinations to the Irish Church this summer in what has been a bumper year for vocations.
“I have been constantly told by people working in the Vatican that they can’t say no to women deacons, they just don’t want to say yes" - Dr Phyllis Zagano.
The two groups aim to work for “an inclusive Church” where laity, religious and clergy work together in collaborative ministry.
Deanery groupings will no longer be made up solely of priests but will expand membership to allow participation of laity and Religious.
Full–time vocations director and vicar to support and care for priests appointed.
Bishop-elect Kevin Doran pays tribute to Bishop Jones' 20 years at the helm.
Church has yet to discover fully the place of the diaconate within it: Archbishop Martin.
As average age increases, "we must take necessary steps to invite others to hear the Lord’s call to serve as deacons," says bishop.
Christians are not called to be simply consumers of religion but ‘washers of feet’.
New pastoral plan distributed at Masses throughout the diocese this weekend.
Bishop McAreavey ordains Diocese of Dromore’s first two Permanent Deacons.
