The Diocese of Killaloe has issued an invitation to all Catholics in
the diocese to add their voices to a process seeking practical ways of
deepening a sense of belonging to the Church. The invitation comes from Bishop Kieran O’Reilly and the Diocesan Planning Team who oversaw a ‘Listening Process’ across the diocese over the last year, and people are invited to submit their views by e-mail, post or in person on the needs and future of the Church in the diocese.
Process
The Listening Process involved 12 consultations with nearly 700 participants who discussed the reality of the Church experienced on the ground and the future of the diocese.
A summary document of the feedback from the Listening Process shows that non-participation at local level was frequently associated with lack of connection with the hierarchical Church.
In every cluster, the need for adult faith development was seen as a priority, as well as consultation with young people and lay people taking on more leadership roles.
Bishop O’Reilly said that he believes that the work of the Listening Process has re-ignited a passion among laity and Church ministry.
“I am heartened and encouraged by people’s honesty and commitment to the process, by their generosity of time and spirit and their willingness to share the responsibility of keeping the spirit of Church alive for all who wish to follow in the footsteps of Christ,” he said.
Parish Priest of Cooraclare and Co-ordinator of the Pastoral Planning team, Fr Tony Casey said he sees a renewed hope among those involved in the process.
“An energy and enthusiasm among those involved in the process was very evident. There was a hope expressed that we would be a more welcoming Church that accepts people where they are at and from where they feel they belong,” he said.
A summary and full report on the Listening Process can be accessed on the diocesan website www.killaloediocese.ie