Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Friday 14°CSaturday 15°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
NewsPolitics

Shortage of Derry priests could lead to duties being shared across parishes

written by John July 20, 2019
ShareTweet

Bishop Donal McKeown to address shortage of priests in Derry Diocese

PRIESTS may have to cover more than one parish due to because of a fall in numbers.

The Derry Diocese is reportedly considering a revamp in the way it ministers to parishes to address the shortage.

A drop in new vocations to the priesthood and an increasing number of priests reaching retirement has meant that where a parish could once have had three priests, it will now have just one.

The diocese, which straddles three counties, is considering measures which could see one parish priest covering a number of parishes or priests taking on work across several parishes.

The need to adapt the role of clergy in parishes was first muted in the diocesan document God is Love, which lays out a plan from 2018 to 2021.

It includes ways in which the laity could be more active in their parishes and carry out duties traditionally done by the clergy.

The developments were reported in the Ulster Herald.

Fr Paul McCafferty, the vicar general of the Derry Diocese, told the Ulster Herald: “Bishop Donal McKeown has initiated discussions around a pastoral vision and how to accommodate it around the fact that there will be a smaller number of priests.

“It is important to stress that this is still at the very early stages of consideration and is a medium-term project for the diocese. The models will also ensure that individual parishes retain their identity.”

One of the models would mean one parish priest covering a number of different parishes, he explained.

The second would see a group of priests coming together to share responsibilities around different parishes.

Fr McCafferty added: “In each model the aim is to ensure we continue to do our very best for all our parishioners and their parishes.

“At the moment we are simply exploring these options but the reality is, things are changing fundamentally due to reduced number of priests.”

Bishop McKeown outlined in the God is Love document the way in which the drop in priests could be addressed.

He said: “As each parish community develops its own capability it can take responsibility for pastoral priorities and take the first steps towards addressing those priorities, whether using their own resources or working co-operatively with neighbouring parishes.”

Shortage of Derry priests could lead to duties being shared across parishes was last modified: July 22nd, 2019 by John

Tags:
BISHOP OF DERRYFr Paul McCaffertyMOST REVEREND DONAL MCKEOWNShortage of Derry priests could lead to duties being shared across parishesthe vicar general of the Derry Diocese
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

‘Inaction on Foyle Bridge barriers and mental...

11 hours ago

Two charged over huge cannabis haul seized...

17 hours ago

Sadness as child dies and three others...

18 hours ago

PSNI discover huge cannabis factory near border

20 hours ago

Major investment in Capital Projects approved by...

1 day ago

Mayor looking forward to All Ireland Pipe-Band...

1 day ago

Mayor hosts Guardian of the Sperrins event

2 days ago

Durkan calls for urgent traffic calming measures...

2 days ago

Harkin: Stormont Executive must act now to...

2 days ago

Harkin: MPs must vote down punitive welfare...

3 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025
  • Two charged over huge cannabis haul seized in North West

    July 3, 2025
  • Two men to face Derry court over driving and drug offences

    July 2, 2025
  • Former Derry coach Rory Gallagher launches High Court action against GAA

    July 1, 2025
  • Derry man jailed over house burglary offences

    June 26, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy