Fr Paul Dempsey
Photo: Youtube screenshot/www.thetablet.co.uk The new bishop of Achonry has said that the Church needs to prioritise ministry with young people.
It was announced on Monday that Pope Francis has appointed Carlow-born Fr Paul Dempsey as the new Bishop of Achonry.
Up to this point Fr Dempsey (48) has been Parish Priest of Newbridge in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.
Speaking at St Nathy’s Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen this morning, Bishop-elect Dempsey indicated that youth will be a particular focus of his ministry in Achonry.
Addressing school students in the congregation, he said: “I have often heard it said that young people are the future of the Church, but we must remember you are not just the future, you are the Church of today!
“Each one of you is created by God in a unique and special way. He has a special mission in mind for each one of you. You are His disciples!” he said.
The bishop-elect said his years in ministry as a priest to this point have “brought me immense joy”.
Priesthood
Fr Dempsey was born in Carlow Town in 1971 – the youngest in his family, having one brother and two sisters. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, by Bishop Laurence Ryan in 1997.
His first appointment was as curate in Clane and Rathcoffey Parish, Co. Kildare. It was during this time that he started a weekly article in the Leinster Leader newspaper.
After seven years he moved to Kildare Town as curate and was also appointed Youth Director and Vocations Director for the diocese by Bishop Jim Moriarty. During this time, Fr Paul organised two diocesan World Youth Day pilgrimages to Cologne (2005) and Sydney (2008) as well as many other youth initiatives. Fr Paul also presented a weekly religious and social affairs programme on Kildare FM Radio on Sunday mornings.
In 2008, he completed further studies in the Milltown Institute, Dublin earning an Honours Master’s Degree in Theology in the area of Faith and Culture for a thesis entitled ‘The Contemporary Irish Catholic Church – A Church in Crisis or in Question?’
He then took up his appointment as curate in parish cluster of Naas, Sallins and Two-Mile-House in 2009 and in August, 2014, Bishop Denis Nulty appointed him to Newbridge Parish and also as Vicar Forane for the Kildare & Leighlin North Deanery consisting of 17 parishes.