Cathal BarryThe new ministry will see lay people work alongside the parish clergy
Parishioners in Cork are being encouraged to pass on the Faith by taking on new leadership roles within their local church.
Bishop John Buckley has invited parishioners from the 68 parishes in the Diocese of Cork & Ross to consider taking on the new ministry by becoming parish catechists.
This new ministry will see lay people work alongside the parish clergy in particular with parents whose children are preparing for the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Fr Charlie Kiely, Director of Pastoral Development in the diocese told The Irish Catholic that “following a two year training period the parish catechist will be commissioned by the bishop to work in their local parish for a term of four years in this new voluntary role”.
“The course is also open to participants who would like to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and teachings of the Catholic Church without taking on a formal role of parish ministry,” he said.
The training, which begins in February 2014, will be offered by the Maryvale Institute of Higher Religious Sciences, from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, England and the participants can choose either the Diploma or Certificate in Catechesis. The course will take place in Cork city in partnership with the Diocesan Pastoral Development Office.
For further details call
021 4537601.