Mags GarganDelegates aim to tackle local church issues for the future
Over 300 delegates from 35 parishes, religious communities and apostolic organisations attended the third Kilmore Diocesan Assembly in St Patrick’s College, Cavan. The theme of this year’s assembly was taken from three phrases Pope Francis used during his first homily as Pope – “Walking Together, Building the Kingdom, Professing our Faith” – and Pope Francis sent a message of blessing to those gathered.
Opening the assembly, Bishop Leo O’Reilly said the goal of the discussion was to “discern what are the pressing issues for the Church in Kilmore diocese at present and how we will go about engaging with those issues in the years ahead”.
The assembly heard from Fr Michael Router PP, Bailieborough, who presented the findings of a listening survey conducted over the past 18 months throughout the diocese. The survey identified a strain in finding the correct balance in securing material contentment not at the expense of emotional and spiritual well-being.
The other speakers over the two days were Fr Michael Drumm, Matthew McFadden from Clogher don Oige youth ministry, Fr Enda Murphy and Breda O’Brien.
On Sunday, the assembly Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Sts Patrick & Felim by Bishop Leo O’Reilly and priests of the diocese.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop O’Reilly spoke of his great sense of hope from the two days. He assured the delegates that their concerns had been heard and action would follow.
That action would surround the sense of welcome to those on the margins of Church life; a renewed emphasis on sacramental catechesis for parents and children; a clear vision for engagement with young people and using material resources throughout the diocese given the shortage of priests.