Lay ministry training plans for Diocese of Ferns

By Dan Walsh

A decline in vocations, reduced numbers and the ageing profile of serving clergy is at crisis point in the Diocese of Ferns and an invitation by Pope Francis and the expressed wishes of the people of the diocese is inviting women and men to participate in new lay ministry roles in the church.

Bishop Ger Nash has issued a Pastoral Letter outlining details which will be read at Masses and printed in parish newsletters across the diocese this weekend.

“In the autumn of this year, I will be inviting people to participate in developing the faith life of the families, parishes and pastoral areas of the diocese. We will be encouraging a renewal of mission from committed lay people to prepare for and take up specific roles which in the past were undertaken by ordained ministers,” stated Bishop Nash.

His Lordship continued; “After a series of consultations with people and priests on the kinds of training that will be needed to facilitate the future flourishing of faith in the diocese, it has been agreed that we need several different strands of training. These will suit different people with different interest areas and with different amounts of time to participate. The consultation for this training was thorough as required by our call to Synodality.”

To quote Pope Francis; “We need lay people who are formed well, animated by a clear and sincere faith, whose lives have been touched by a personal and merciful encounter with the love of Jesus Christ. We need lay people who take risks, soil their hands, who are not afraid of making mistakes, who move forward. We need lay people with a vision of the future.” (Pontifical Council for the Laity 2016).

Bishop Nash said; Here in Ferns, following Pope Francis’ invitation and the expressed wishes of the people of the diocese, we will be inviting women and men, to be formed as:

• Catechists, to work with families and children in the parish who are preparing for the three great sacraments of welcome – Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation;

• Pastoral Care Workers, to work with the sick and the housebound and to assist families in the time around funerals and bereavements;

• Leaders of Parish Prayer with scripture, to build up their capacity to lead communities in prayer and Liturgy;

• Parish Administrators and Leaders who will ensure the continuation and viability of the individual parish communities of the diocese when they will not have a resident priest;

• Facilitators with Accord, to help couples prepare well for the Sacrament of Marriage and for their life together.

“In September, we will be sending information to each parish, and this will be followed by information evenings to provide further details on courses. In September, I invite you to keep an eye on your parish newsletter or you can contact the Diocesan Office directly after September 1^st to get the dates of the information evenings,” said Bishop Nash, who added; “In the meantime, I ask that you continue to pray for the diocese, that the decisions we make in the months and years ahead will draw us closer to Christ and his Kingdom.”