On Sunday last, 12 September, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly launched the new Seeds of Hope pastoral plan for the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly. Launched at Holycross Abbey, the pastoral plan seeks co-responsibility between laity and clergy in building Church of the future in the Archdiocese.
Speaking at the launch of Seeds of Hope, Archbishop O’Reilly said, “Yes, the world around us is changing very rapidly and it is not only the Church that must adapt; all organisations and institutions are trying to do so. But we as a Church believe that we have a significant and important message of hope and love and peace to contribute to the world around us.
“The Church must change, not because of necessity or because of declining vocations and attendance at Masses but because it is the right thing to do. What we are now embarking on is about delivering a new and inclusive Church. And in doing so, it is the Holy Spirit that is guiding us.”
The Senior Prelate said in conclusion, “We must step out of the past, embrace the present and move to the future. The model whereby a public attends Mass once a week is not what the Church is about. It is and must be about the Church being out in the community rather than the community being in the Church. As Seeds of Hope states, the Church is changing now and the priest-led Church of the past will need to embrace a partnership approach with people into the future.”
To read the pastoral plan Seeds of Hope in full, click here.
ENDS
