In an interview series for The Digital Parish Facebook page, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin has shared his own personal experience of the Covid-19 restrictions, and how it is affecting the way ministry is taking place in the diocese. In an interview on The Digital Parish Facebook Page Bishop Nulty says that as an outgoing person, he found it hard to adjust to the lockdown. However, he has found solace in celebrating Mass each day by himself, reading scripture, and tending to his garden. It was only possible for him to celebrate 17 Confirmation ceremonies this year, leaving 39 parishes with ceremonies outstanding. Speaking of his dissapointment, Bishop Nulty said, “I miss hugely visiting the parishes, meeting the young people and their families and teachers, I miss the moments of encounter Confirmation brings.”
When asked about how he is using digital media to interact with people during lockdown, Bishop Nulty explained how he is using Twitter, Facebook and Zoom during these times. For a number of years, Bishop Nulty has been very active on Twitter. He has made use of Twitter during the lockdown with threads such as ‘The Easter Alphabet’, and plans to start another thread called ‘Via Lucis’, the Easter Way of Light. He has recently become more active on Facebook, which he uses to make longer posts that accompany his Twitter presence.
Speaking about the advantages of Zoom, Bishop Nulty said, “I am using Zoom and find it good for diocesan meetings, checking in on priests and family reunions. I participated in my first webinar seminar recently on the title of ‘Responding to Covid-19: Supporting Parishes and Dioceses’. I even dressed up for it, I’ll learn!”
Bishop Nulty also offers a message of hope to people struggling at this time. He said “There is no need to be afraid, He walks among us. I take my hope from the Communion Antiphon at todays Mass: “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of time, alleluia.” (Mt.28:20)”
You can read the interview in full on The Digital Parish and read more stories from it on www.catholicbishops.ie.
Ends
