Irish parishes are undergoing a transition

PARISHES in Transition, a collection of essays which has its origins in a conference, under the same title, held at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) two years ago, was launched this week by Bishop of Killaloe, Kieran O’Reilly.
The book features contributions from various speakers at the conference, as well as a number of other theologians, pastors and historians. It deals with a number of issues, each representing items on the agenda of any parish community or group of parishes that attempts to explore possible ways forward in the current climate of change and transition.
Various topics covered include looking at the church from an historical perspective; looking at current geographical, demographic, social and economic factors, as well as the impact of information technology and its implications for social networks and relationships; the need for leadership in the Church and the necessity for the clustering of parishes if the Church is to survive.
The editor of this collection is Dr Eugene Duffy, a native of Ballaghaderreen and a priest of the diocese of Achonry.
According to Dr Duffy, it is an understatement to claim that the Church in Ireland has been going through a period of intense crisis over the past decade or more. Much attention has focused on the failures of those in leadership, in the priesthood and religious life. This is only part of the crisis that the Church is now attempting to face.
Meanwhile, another seismic shift has been occurring as vocations to priesthood and religious life have plummeted with the result that the forms of pastoral ministry and parish life that were such staples of the Catholic Church in Ireland for generations will no longer be possible.
Dr Duffy said, “It is hoped that the essays in this volume will provide some further enlightenment, impetus and encouragement for those already embarked on the process of renewal and reorganisation of parish life at this time of significant transition. There are many other dimensions to the task of renewal in need of urgent attention, but let these contributions suffice for the moment”.
This book should be of particular interest to all who are involved with or interested in the future development of the parish, especially the clustering of parishes into new pastoral areas and is available to buy at bookshops.