Bishop Brendan Leahy Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has urged Catholics to take encouragement from the spirit of volunteerism that has been on display in parishes and communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking as he announced the annual clerical changes for the diocese, Bishop Leahy said that the combined issues of the vocations crisis and ageing priests is a huge challenge, but that he thinks there are “reassuring glimpses of the possibilities ahead for the Church”.
“A lot of trends come and go in life, but faith and spirituality are constant. They are embedded in the culture of our people, as we saw during the worst of the Covid-19 lockdown.
“People stepped forward throughout parishes who, in some cases, we would not see except perhaps for the major celebrations of the year. Yet now they are volunteering weekly for activity of all sorts, activity that is crucial right now in keeping our doors open in trying circumstances,” he said.
Changes
Among the changes announced by Bishop Leahy was the appointment of Fr Éamonn Fitzgibbon as Vicar General. He joins Canon Anthony Mullins, who has been the Vicar General for some years.
Bishop Leahy also congratulated former diocesan secretary Fr Paul Finnerty on his appointment as Rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.
Sr Caitríona Kavanagh OP has been appointed Administrator of the Parish of St Saviour’s in Limerick City.
The three priests retiring are Fr Tom Crawford, Fr Oliver Plunkett and Fr Dan Lane.