Number of deaneries reduced and permanent deacons appointed to parishes
Big changes have been announced for the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin with a dramatic reduction in number of deaneries and the appointment of permanent deacons to parishes.
In this year’s diocesan changes Bishop Denis Nulty, announced that the seven deaneries of the diocese, which are large groupings of parishes what regularly hold planning meetings, will be consolidated from seven to three.
Renewal
“This is not change for the sake of change,” Bishop Nulty said. “These changes reflect discussions that have been ongoing in the diocese for a number of years, discussions that have involved both priests and people, discussing how we can best share the Lord’s Mission in the years ahead. The three new deaneries will provide a good platform for ongoing renewal into the future.”
Another significant change is the official appointment of eight permanent deacons to parishes around the diocese. The deacons were ordained in October last year and are a first for the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin.
Bishop Nulty thanked all of the priests involved in the changes for this year and he stated that he is “aware that change is never easy for priests or people”. The changes will not come into effect until September 1.