Tuam Archdiocese looking towards lay priests

THE lack of priests in the west of Ireland has resulted in a proposal that married men should preside at weddings, funerals and baptisms.

It has been revealed that the Archdiocese of Tuam, which covers most of Galway and Mayo, is expected to look for lay people to fill the roles of priests who are retiring.

They would have to go through three years' training and it would result in the ordination of married men into the priesthood – although they would not be in a position to conduct a full Mass.

It would allow for any man over the age of 40, married or not, to become a deacon and they would be allowed to preach at Masses, carry out wedding ceremonies and preside at funerals.

It is estimated that by 2020, the 55 parishes of the Archdiocese will be served by approximately 50 priests - some 20 less than are currently in active ministry.

This will mean a growing number of parishes will not have a resident priest.

A document issued by the Archdiocese underlines the importance of the promotion and nurturing of vocations to the priesthood, saying that this is the responsibility of every member of the church community.

In planning for the future, it stresses that while every parish may not have a resident priest, all parishes will continue to have the services of a priest who will work as part of a team in groupings or ‘clusters’ of parishes.

Baptisms, weddings and funerals together with the main parish celebrations such as First Communion and Confirmation will continue to be celebrated in local parish churches.

Interest in the priesthood has intensified in recent years and currently there are five studying for the priesthood in the Archdiocese – two from Claremorris and one from Castlebar.

Fr. Fintan Monahan, vocations director and secretary to the Archdiocese of Tuam, said the level of interest in the priesthood was encouraging.