Bishop confirms fewer masses across Kilkenny as priest numbers dwindle
THE amount of masses celebrated in churches around Kilkenny is to be noticeably scaled-back as the diocese grapples with a sharp decline in ordination and an aging clergy.
Bishop Dermot Farrell has contacted all the parishes in the Diocese of Ossary to inform them there will be significantly fewer masses celebrated by advent this year.
The reduction in the number of masses is in reaction to the rapidly falling number of priests available in the diocese and their availability for performing religious ceremonies.
Bishop Dermot Farrell recently sent a correspondence to all parishes in which he stated: “The number of weekend masses currently being celebrated in each pastoral area needs to addressed. Based on the results of the census taken in each parish last November there is a significant scope for reducing the number of masses in all parishes.”
The Diocese of Ossary was recently restructured into four new pastoral areas of Castlecomer, Clogh, Moneenroe and Muckalee. This restructuring was to reduce the impact of the low number of priests around the county.
The latest statement from the diocesan office will see the implementation of sweeping changes to the number of masses said, and the traditional mass times, in each and every parish.
