Priesthood in Achonry

by Diocese of Achonry | Feb 6, 2020 | Diocese, Reflection

Our Bishop-Elect, Paul Dempsey, comes to us as one of the youngest priests in our diocese.

Looking at our situation, as it stands today, including retired priests, the age-profile of our priests is:

• six over the age of 80
• seven aged between 70-80
• ten aged between 60-70,
• ten aged between 50-60,
• three aged between 40-50 (four when Bishop-Elect Dempsey joins us)
• and nobody under 40.

There are twenty-three parishes in the diocese and fifty churches.  At present there are 25 priests in Parish Ministry.

There is no doubt but that we are heading to a point where changes will have to be addressed – indeed, we have most likely passed that point.

There must however, remain hope! 

As we welcome a new bishop, might it be a time to encourage a-fresh and pray renewed, that some might hear God’s call to serve the church of Achonry as a Diocesan Priest?

Fr Paul Kivlehan is our Vocations Director.  He may be contacted at the Presbytery, Ballaghaderreen or on vocations@achonrydiocese.org