Chai Brady
The Diocese of Clogher is seeking a support worker specifically for priests in the diocese after their Council of Priests called for the role to be created, with the need being more pronounced since the pandemic.
The ‘Diocesan Support Worker’ will be expected to visit all priests and build relationships and trust, observe their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing including “whether they are living well”.
They will also be asked to provide professional support and expertise regarding care issues in advance of declining mental and physical health, provide care plans and more.
Planning
A diocesan spokesperson said: “The post will be of immense benefit to priests as they will have a designated person to help them cope with planning and supporting their own well-being, as well as someone who will also liaise with the bishop in terms of their welfare.
“This question of well-being has been brought into focus by the Covid-19 pandemic, even though plans for this post were being made well in advance of its onset.
They will be expected to report to the bishop, have a minimum of five years of experience as a public health nurse, carer or social worker and have a good knowledge of the policies and procedures of the diocese and those of the Catholic Church in Ireland relating to safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
The spokesman added: “The initiative is one from the Council of Priests and it represents very well the collegial effectiveness and relevance of that body and its role in the diocese. One of its functions is to be a support for priests (and the bishop) and the well-being of clergy is a vital part of that.
“The person appointed to this post will be serving all priests. As priests get older they will need more support in terms of planning for their future.
“That will form an important part of the work done by the support worker.”
Application details, including a job specification, are available from www.clogherdiocese.ie or by phone at 047 81019 or email: diocesanoffice@clogherdiocese.ie