PRESS RELEASE
20 February 2010

Spotlight on Priesthood
Elphin Diocese to mark “Year for Priests” with unique initiative

On June 16th 2009 Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150th anniversary of one of the most famous priests in history, St. Jeanne Marie Vianney, France’s Cure d’Ars.  In response the Elphin Diocese’s Pastoral Planning Group have organised a special series entitled “Revisiting Priesthood”.  

In an introductory brochure Bishop Christopher Jones comments on the major transition the diocese is undergoing at present and suggests that prayer and forward planning need to be complimented by education and critical reflection.  He suggests there is a pressing need to revisit the role of priests and for partnership between priests, parishioners and others to be grounded on solid foundations.

Renowned author, retreat master and Professor of Theology (Maynooth College), Fr. Tom Norris, will open the series with a presentation on  “Ministerial Priesthood: yesterday and today.  A great storyteller and energetic speaker, Fr. Tom will get the series off to a highly stimulating start.

Session 2 will incorporate fifteen-minute inputs from a panel of four speakers.  School Chaplains Maria Byrne (Aughrim parish / Carrick-on-Shannon Community College) and Mary Colleary (Castlerea Community School & Elphim Diocesan Pastoral Council member) will speak of their experiences as chaplains and as women in today’s Church.  They will be followed by contributions from Martin Kennedy, a free-lance facilitator who has worked with many church, community and statutory groups and from Elphin’s broadcasting priest, Fr. Eamonn O’Connor PP Tarmonbarry Co. Longford.

The series will conclude with a forward-looking presentation from  Bishop Seamus Freeman (Ossory Diocese), a former Head of the Pallotine Order.  His presentation will be informed by his experience of living priesthood outside Ireland for many years.

Responsibility for liasing with the presenters fell to the Elphin’s Director of Pastoral Development, Justin Harkin.  “I think this will be a very enjoyable and challenging series.  All the presenters are forthright as well as enthusiastic.  They will offer us lots to think about and ponder and the initiative carries great promise in terms of fostering mutual respect and support between priests and people.”

The series will take place in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon from 4 to 5.45 pm on March 9th, 18th and 24th and will be repeated from 7.30 to 9.15 p.m..   All are welcome and it is hoped that all Parish Pastoral Councils, School Boards of Management and Apostolic Group will be represented.

Places are available on a first-come basis (100+ can be accommodated at each session).  A donation of €5 to €10 per participant per session is invited towards costs

Discussions are ongoing in relation to the recording of the series.

For more information please contact Justin Harkin @ 071 9634960 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .