Bishop Martin’s Letter on the Rescheduling of Masses in the Diocese

The following is the text of a letter from Bishop Martin Hayes to priests, deacons, Parish and Diocesan Pastoral Council members, parishioners and diocesan staff/volunteers in relation to the scheduling of Masses across the Diocese of Kilmore:

9 October 2024

Dear Fr, Rev, Parish Pastoral Council Member, Parishioner, Diocesan Pastoral Council Member, Diocesan Staff Member/Volunteer,

We have been discussing the scheduling of Masses for over a year and we now need to conclude these discussions to implement changes throughout the diocese on the First Sunday of Advent, 1 December 2024.

Our discussions in parishes and between parishes have been fruitful and have highlighted,

  • the need to reduce the number of Masses,
  • to fulfil the desire for larger congregations and richer liturgies,
  • take account of fewer and aging priests and
  • provide for holidays and possible illness of priests.

I am grateful for the discussions that have taken place in a synodal fashion supported by Diocesan Pastoral Council personnel in parishes and between parishes involving the Parish Pastoral Councils and representatives of church areas. 

It has become apparent that these discussions on Mass schedules require guidelines on possible future partnerships of parishes. 

Regarding those working relationships between parishes, the current structure is governed by the Pastoral Areas which has worked well in some Pastoral Areas, and which can remain in place.  The Pastoral Areas now need to be reviewed not only to provide an impetus to the finalisation of our Mass schedules but to take account of the administration of parishes, visitation of parishioners, the number of schools, churches, hospitals and nursing homes, the opportunities provided by the upcoming Lay Pastoral Ministry Programme, the time required to prepare for and celebrate Baptisms, Holy Communions, Confirmations, Marriages, the Sacrament of the Sick and Funerals as well as holidays for priests and parish personnel.

Accordingly, after some reflection on the recent discussions regarding our Mass schedules and our preparations of our Lay Pastoral Ministry Programme, I propose the following working partnerships between parishes:

  • Mullagh, Killinkere and Lurgan – as in their current Pastoral Area,
  • Killann, Kilmainhamwood & Moybologue and Knockbride – as in their current Pastoral Area
  • Kilsherdany & Drung and Drumgoon
  • Lavey and Laragh
  • Denn, Crosserlough and Castlerahan
  • Kilmore and Ballintemple
  • Annagh and Drumlane
  • Urney & Annagelliff and Castletara
  • Killeshandra and Carrigallen
  • Ballinaglera and Killinagh
  • Dromahair and Drumkeeran
  • Kinlough and Ballaghameehan
  • Manorhamilton & Glenfarne
  • Derrylin and Kinawley
  • Ballinamore, Templeport and Kildallan.

I ask that the discussions on Mass schedules now continue over the coming weeks in parishes, between parishes involving PPC’s and parishioners with the above proposals for future parish partnerships in mind.  These discussions can proceed with the support of those who have completed the Synodal Facilitative Leadership Programme, our Diocesan Pastoral Council members and those with recognised facilitation skills – to avail of this support please contact me at the Diocesan Office. 

Amongst the guidelines regarding the scheduling of Masses that have emerged from discussions are

  • the need to reduce the number of Masses,
  • that each parish, where possible, reduce their Masses by at least one Mass,
  • while there may not be Mass in every church on every weekend that no church be closed,
  • all arrangements for Masses be easily communicated and remembered,
  • that there be sufficient time between Masses to be celebrated by any one priest,
  • that Mass times in parishes with a working partnership allow for at least one priest be free to provide for holidays and possible illness of priests and
  • liturgy groups in conjunction with Parish Pastoral Councils be established to ensure preparation for all Masses.

Finally, I ask that you communicate the decisions concluded to the Diocesan Office by 22 November 2024 to ensure publication throughout the diocese before their implementation on 1 December 2024, the First Sunday of Advent.

With thanks for your participation in these discussions and with prayerful good wishes for their conclusion that will deepen our appreciation of our Mass at weekends.

Yours in Christ,

+ Martin Hayes

Bishop of Kilmore

 

A copy of Bishop Martin’s letter may also be downloaded from the following link:

Bishop Martin Hayes’ Letter 9 October 2024

 

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