Over 60 Parish Lay Leaders commissioned in Killala Diocese

16 Apr, 2025 | Bishops, News

The commissioning of 64 Lay Leaders took place during the annual Mass of Chrism in Saint Muredach’s Cathedral on Tuesday of Holy Week, 15 April, marking a significant moment of renewal and shared leadership within the Diocese of Killala.

This commissioning followed the conferring of Certificates in Lay Leadership on 64 men and women by The Newman Institute of Education in Ballina.  During that ceremony, Archbishop Francis Duffy personally presented the certificates, commending each of the graduates for their dedication, deep faith, and wholehearted commitment to the service of the Church.

The graduates successfully completed a two-year Certificate in Lay Leadership: Theology, Culture and Ministry, covering a broad curriculum of twelve modules.  These included Church History, Faith and Culture, Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, Bereavement Care, Moral Theology, Christology, and Canon Law, among others.  The course was rooted in the Church’s mission and designed to support a new model of parish leadership built on co-responsibility and collaboration.  The course coordinator was Father Michael Gilroy.

Throughout their studies, participants also undertook extensive pastoral placements in six host parishes across the diocese.  During these placements, they facilitated scripture meditation groups, led guided prayer sessions, hosted Advent and Lenten reflections, and co-led funeral rites alongside their parish priests.

A central focus of the programme was preparing Lay Leaders to assist in the Order of Christian Funerals.  The newly qualified Lay Leaders will now be part of parish ministry teams, co-leading prayers in wake houses or funeral homes, at the Rite of Reception in the church, and during the final commendation and committal at the graveside.

At the graduation ceremony, Archbishop Duffy (picture above with some of the Parish Lay leaders) said, “Today, we celebrate not just academic achievement, but also a deep commitment to pastoral service.  These men and women have responded to the call of the Gospel, stepping forward to share in the leadership of our parishes.”

The course was founded on the core belief in the equal dignity of all the baptised.  Graduates now move forward in ministry with humility, compassion, and a strong sense of service to the People of God.  To read Archbishop Duffy’s Chrism Mass homily, click HERE.

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