Last week Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns, gathered with the clergy of the diocese in Mount Wolseley Hotel, Tullow, Co Carlow, to reflect on how they will minister as priests together in a changing world. The theme of the gathering was “Ministering in a New Time” and the gathering was facilitaed by Judith King and Maria Garvey.
Over the course of a couple of days the clergy participated in workshops and held many discussions, all of which focused on how life in the Church is changing. This sharing helped the participants ascertain what Church life and ministry might look like in the future and how priests might best adapt to that future.
At the gathering, Bishop Nash shared the following vision with the clergy, namely, “That the people of the Diocese of Ferns have access to the transformational power of the Gospel, the hope that it brings and the seal on that by the Sacramental life of the Church.”
This gathering was the first step in a process that will be further developed over the coming months and years and will draw on the resources and gifts of many people throughout the diocese. In this context one of the facilitators said, “this process is about widening the circle to involve as many people as possible and benefit from the richness of their talents and abilities.”
Bishop Nash thanked all who participated in this initial process and said that he looked forward to continuing this journey throughout the diocese.
ENDS
