The Diocese of Cork and Ross may have to reduce the number of Masses in its parishes because of a shortage of priests, congregations were told yesterday.
Bishop John Buckley has convened a meeting of clergy and parishioners to discuss ways in which neighbouring parishes can work together.
In a letter which was read at Masses in the diocese, Bishop Buckley acknowledged that the challenges presented by a declining number of priests gave greater urgency to planning the future for the parishes.
"The call of the Second Vatican Council for more lay involvement in the life of the church had nothing to do with an impending shortage of priests, but clearly the lack of priests today and fewer vocations to the priesthood has given great urgency to this way forward. The scarcity of priests is taking hold and we have no choice but to respond to it in practical ways. Our work will not be easy. We must face this uncertain future with joy and hope."
Bishop Buckley has written to all clergy, parish sisters, the chairperson and secretary of each parish assembly inviting them to a specially convened diocesan meeting on March 9th at which this issue will be presented along with outline proposals. These will then be discussed during the following months at meetings throughout the diocese.
The clustering of parishes is becoming a growing phenomenon in rural parts of Ireland. Rural priests are becoming more centralised serving a number of parishes, with congregations made up of people from adjoining areas.
Meanwhile, last year's Irish Catholic Bishop's Conference set out a blueprint for the increased involvement of parishioners in the everyday running of parishes.
Lay people must be given greater responsibility and play a more influential role in the development of the church, according to the bishops' group responsible for reforming parishes.
There are currently 1,368 parishes in Ireland staffed by 2,500 diocesan priests - a drop of 30 per cent from 50 years ago.
The Diocese of Cork and Ross has experienced a 40 per cent drop in priests since 1990. In that year there were 175 Cork and Ross priests available to the bishop for appointment while now there are at most 105. At present there are just four students at Maynooth College studying to become priests within the next six years.
However, Bishop John Buckley says the Roman Catholic Church has always adapted to changing situations and there is every reason to be positive.