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Contents

Part I IrIsh CatholIC BIshoPs’ ConferenCe

the role of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference 3review of events and Initiatives in 2008 4Photo Gallery 12apostolic nunciature in Ireland 17national Board for safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland 18

Part II the DePartments of the IrIsh CatholIC BIshoPs’ ConferenCe 19

Department of social Issues and International affairs 20Department of Planning and Communications 24Department of Catholic education and formation 27 Department of Pastoral Care 31Department of Worship, Pastoral renewal and faith Development 37Bishops’ Bioethics Consultative Group 40

Part III DIreCtory of memBers of the IrIsh CatholIC BIshoPs’ ConferenCe

archdioceses 41Dioceses 45

Part IV statIstICs anD aPPenDIx

Catholic Population 57Ireland’s Population Classified by religion 59numbers of ordained and Professed Personnel 2001–2006 60numbers accepted to study for the religious life 2001–2006 60appendix – liturgical Calendar for Ireland 2010 61finance and General Purposes 62

I need to give you details of the one pic that John didn’t take

the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference (alsoknown as the Irish episcopal Conference) is theassembly of the Bishops of Ireland exercisingtogether certain pastoral offices for Christ’sfaithful on the whole island of Ireland.

the Conference consists of a General assemblyand a standing Committee, together with variouscommissions, agencies, councils and otherbodies. Day-to-day operations are overseen by asecretariat. the Conference enables the Bishopsto exchange views and share their wisdom andexperience in order to promote the common goodof the Church in Ireland.

the current membership of the Irish Bishops’Conference comprises of twenty-six Bishops ofthe dioceses of Ireland, together with the sevenauxiliary Bishops. General meetings of the IrishCatholic Bishops’ Conference normally takeplace on a quarterly basis.

the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference seeks tobuild effective consensus among the Bishops,thereby contributing to the unity of the Church in

communion with Pope Benedict xVI. throughits links with the Church in neighbouringcountries and across the world, it strengthens andenriches efforts to increase faith and proclaim theGospel message to all nations. at the same time,the Conference fully respects the personalauthority, responsibility and ministry of eachindividual Bishop within his own diocese.

the Bishops’ Conference comprises fivedepartments, which are:

• Department of social Issues and Internationalaffairs

• Department of Planning and Communications

• Department of Catholic education andformation

• Department of Pastoral Care

• Department of Worship, Pastoral renewaland faith Development.

for further information seewww.catholicbishops.ie.

e Role of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

The staff of the secretariat of the Irish Bishops’ Conference with Bishop John Fleming.Seated: Ms Sandra Garry, Bishop John Fleming, Chairman of the Finance and General PurposesCommittee of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, and Ms Lorna Pegley.Standing: Ms Noreen Kennedy, Ms Bernie Martin, Ms Hilary O’Carroll, Fr Eamon Martin, Ms NualaKilduff, Ms Anne Young and Mr Harry Casey.

e Role of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference 3

Review of Events and Initiatives in 2008January

the theme of Pope Benedict xVI’s message for theWorld Day of Prayer for Peace on 1 January wasthe human family, a Community of Peace. Cardinal seán Brady, archbishop of armagh andPrimate of all Ireland, led a delegation to Israel aspart of an international Catholic group called ‘theCoordination of episcopal Conferences in supportof the Church of the holy land and the assemblyof Catholic ordinaries of the holy land’. thegroup travelled between 11 and 15 January and metwith the assembly of Catholic ordinaries of theholy land and archbishop antonio franco, theapostolic Delegate; mr tom Philips CmG, Britishambassador to Israel; mr richard makepeace,British Consul General in Jerusalem; and staff andstudents at Bethlehem University.speaking in advance of taking possession of histitular Church of saints Cyricus and Julitta in romeon 16 January, Cardinal Brady said: ‘the proximityof this church to the Irish College brings to mindthe beautiful gift of vocation. happily, in 2008, theChurch in Ireland will focus, in a special way, onthe vocation of all Christians. for the 12 monthsbetween Vocations sunday on 13 april next toVocations sunday on 3 may 2009, various projectsand initiatives will be organised to highlight thespecial dignity of each of the specific vocations:married and family life; ordained priesthood;religious life; and the single life.’on 27 January the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Brendan Kelly as Bishop of achonry tookplace in the Cathedral of the annunciation and stnathy in Ballaghadereen, Co. roscommon. In hisaddress, Bishop Kelly said: ‘I look forward toworking with you and supporting Christianeducation and is tráthúil that you are here tocelebrate my ordination with me today, as this iseducation in faith sunday.’

February

on 1 february Bishop Éamonn Walsh, auxiliaryBishop of Dublin and Vice Chair of the IrishBishops’ Conference Drugs and alcohol Initiative,hosted a discussion with young people on alcoholissues in Veritas head office in Dublin. facilitatedby broadcaster Joe Duffy, this event followed the2007 launch of the Bishops’ pastoral letter, Alcohol:The Challenge of Moderation, and the productionof a DVD for senior cycle secondary pupils, Findthe Balance: Dare to Dream. speaking at the event,Bishop Walsh said: ‘as we approach the beginningof lent … I believe that at a macro level somethingshould also be done to radically shift alcohol away

from the mainstream cultural position that itcurrently occupies in Irish society. a good startingpoint would be to break, once and for all, the linkbetween sport and advertising alcohol.’on 4 february a state reception, hosted by the thentaoiseach mr Bertie ahern tD, was held in DublinCastle to honour Cardinal seán Brady’s elevation tothe College of Cardinals. Cardinal Brady said:‘taoiseach, I am very grateful to you for thisreception at which we can manifest our unity as apeople and our gladness at the honour PopeBenedict bestowed on our country in theunprecedented appointment of a third IrishCardinal.’the Irish Commission for Justice and social affairs(ICJsa), a commission of the Bishops’ Conference,hosted a major conference in Dublin on 18february themed ‘Who is my neighbour?’, basedon Pope Benedict xVI’s first encyclical letter, DeusCaritas Est (God is Love). Cardinal Brady openedthe conference, which was chaired by archbishopDiarmuid martin, archbishop of Dublin and VicePresident of the Bishops’ Conference. on 22 february Pope Benedict xVI appointedarchbishop Giuseppe leanza, titular archbishopof lilybaeum, as apostolic nuncio to Ireland. hisexcellency archbishop leanza had served asapostolic nuncio in Bulgaria since 22 february2003. also on this date Pope Benedict appointedmonsignor noel treanor to succeed Bishop PatrickWalsh as Bishop of the Diocese of Down andConnor. monsignor treanor, from the Diocese ofClogher, was based in Brussels working assecretary General of ComeCe.

March

on 11 march the Bishops’ Conference published astatement on keeping sunday morning as a sacredtime. In their statement, the Bishops said: ‘eversince the resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ,sunday has held a special place in the weekly livesof his followers. Irish Christians named the dayitself after him: An Domhnach, the lord’s Day. Itis a day different in character to the other six daysof the week, a day when we set aside all non-essential work so as to be free to devote time tofamily, to religious practices, visiting the sick andthe elderly and to leisure and recreational pastimes.Until recent times we maintained a good balancebetween these elements of sunday life. one of theessential ways by which this balance wasmaintained was the tradition whereby sporting andleisure activities for young people on sundays didnot begin until early afternoon. this enabledfamilies to attend mass and other religious services

4 Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference Report & Directory 2008

Review of Events and Initiatives in 2008 5

together and to regularly share the sunday meal asa family unit. now, however, there seems to be anever-increasing frequency in the scheduling ofunder-age training sessions and competitive gamesfor sunday mornings. We wish to draw theattention of all parents and guardians to the conflictof interests this scheduling can cause for childrenand teenagers. We wish also to bring this conflict ofinterests to the attention of officials and coaches,whom we recognise as persons of generosity andgoodwill … We appeal, therefore, to all people ofgoodwill, to respect the spiritual needs of childrenand adolescents, particularly as these relate tofamily life and religious practice on sundays, andto refrain from organising events that clash withsunday morning religious services.’a press conference on 12 march at the conclusionof the Bishops’ spring General meeting addressedthe topics: preparation for easter; keeping sundaymorning as a sacred time; year of Vocation; thesolemnity of st Patrick; migrants living in ourcommunities; lenten pastoral on alcohol; thetreaty of lisbon; Immigration, residence andProtection Bill 2008; Bishops’ Commission formigrants; trócaire’s lenten Campaign for 2008 –Climate Change; and Prison Chaplain’s report2006–2007.from 29–30 march Bishop Donal murray, Bishopof limerick, visited the troops of the 37th InfantryGroup in Kosovo. the lead unit of this Irish groupis from sarsfield Barracks in limerick – includingColonel matt murray who commands the groupand fr seamus madigan, the Chaplain. the Bishopwas accompanied by monsignor eoin thynne,head Chaplain to the forces.

April

on 8 april the Bishops’ Council for research andDevelopment published a survey of the attitudes ofparents of children attending Catholic primaryschools in Ireland entitled Factors DeterminingSchool Choice. launching the report, Bishop leoo’reilly, Bishop of Kilmore and Chair of theBishops’ Commission for education, said: ‘this isa timely report which explores a crucial issue forthe future of education provision, namely factorsdetermining school choice. some of the keyfindings of this survey were: 98.3% of respondentsstated that they were aware when applying to enroltheir child that the school choice was a Catholicschool; 95.1% of respondents stated that they weresatisfied or very satisfied with their decision to sendtheir child to the school they currently attend; and94% answered that education is a sharedresponsibility between parents and the school.on 11 april Bishop John Kirby, Bishop of Clonfertand Chairman of trócaire, expressed his deepestconcern over the situation in Zimbabwe: ‘theunnecessarily slow release of election results over

the past week has fuelled anxiety and tensionamong the already long-suffering people ofZimbabwe. the government clampdown of the lastfew days and general atmosphere of insecurity hasincreased fears that any presidential election run-offwill be marred by the violence, retribution andrepression that characterised the well-documentedelection periods of 2000, 2002 and 2005.’sunday, 13 april saw the official launch of the yearof Vocation by archbishop martin in st mary’sPro-Cathedral in Dublin. In his homily, archbishopmartin said: ‘Vocations do not spring out of a void.they come from the depth of the faith of Christiancommunities. I ask all of you to renew your prayerfor vocations. at the same time, I ask you to renewyour own commitment to live out the message ofJesus and his love to the full. It is throughencountering your witness that young people willbe moved to ask about Jesus, to discern in theirlives what his message means, and to open theirhearts to that freedom and life which comes fromhim alone.’on 27 april over 1,200 members of Parish PastoralCouncils attended a diocesan gathering andcelebration of the eucharist in the Church of saintlaurence o’toole, Kilmacud, Dublin. In hisaddress to the gathering, which was the first majorassembly of Parish Pastoral Council members inthe archdiocese of Dublin, archbishop Diarmuidmartin said: ‘as a Church community we should beattentive to anyone who feels that they have beenwounded or hurt or abandoned by the Church inany way. We only learn to heal when we first repentand change from our insensitivities and arrogance.In a society which is changing we have to addressnew realities. our parish boundaries do not alwaysreflect the current demographic reality of thediocese. there is a new sense of mobility thatalready exists in the lives of people.’ the event, oneof the largest of its kind in the diocese in recentyears, included a report on a major assessment ofthe work of the pastoral councils, which began inlate 2007.the leaders of Ireland’s four main Churches visitedthe holy land from 29 april until 2 may 2008 toexpress a desire for peace in the area and to offerChristian hope in a situation where continuinghostilities are causing increased hardship forordinary people. Cardinal seán Brady, archbishopalan harper, Church of Ireland Primate, along withrev. roy Cooper, President of the methodistChurch, and Dr John finlay, Presbyterianmoderator, were responding to the urgent need forsolidarity with local Christians and brought amessage of peace from the Churches in Ireland. theleaders’ visit focussed mainly on Bethlehem andJerusalem where they met with local Churchleaders and representatives from the Palestinianauthority and Israeli Government and they saw atfirst hand the relief and development work that is

being undertaken by partners of Christian aid andtrócaire.

May

on 3 may archbishop Dermot Clifford, archbishopof Cashel and emly, addressed the annualConference of the Irish Postmasters’ Union inmullingar. In his address archbishop Cliffordhighlighted ‘the vital need for society to use theservices offered by post offices to a much greaterextent as closures mainly affect the vulnerable anddisadvantaged. Post offices have an existence valuewhich symbolises the continued well-being of thelocal community and surveys on the role of postoffices have overwhelmingly found that they playan important community role in facilitating localenterprise, networking, obtaining knowledge,information and advice’.on 7 may Bishop Christopher Jones, Bishop ofelphin, presided at the annual 1916Commemoration mass at arbour hill, Dublin.Bishop Jones said during his homily: ‘I believe thatpeople like Pearse and Plunkett would bedisappointed to see how materialism has possessedso many hearts and minds and pushed God from thecentre to the sidelines.’on 10 may the liturgical reception for archbishopGiuseppe leanza was held in st mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. In his homily, archbishopleanza said: ‘the holy father holds this country inhigh esteem and very close to his heart. It is acountry whose history has been marked by oversixteen centuries of Catholic faith and tradition thathas forged the spirit of the Irish people and shapedtheir cultural, moral and religious identity. for thatvery reason, he invites you to look to the futurewith confidence and, as John Paul II expressed it inhis apostolic letter Novo Millenio ineunte (6January 2001), to start out from Christ again, fixingyour gaze on his face, which bears the mark ofsuffering yet also of glory. allow me to say howparticularly honoured I feel to have been appointedthe holy father’s representative in Ireland. I amwell aware, indeed, of the great responsibility thatgoes with this office and would therefore ask forthe ongoing support of your prayers, so that I maybe able to carry out faithfully the mission entrustedto me, in a spirit of humble service to the Churchand this country.’on 12 may Bishop leo o’reilly launched apastoral letter to the media on behalf of the IrishBishops’ Conference: Vision 08 – A Vision forCatholic Education in Ireland. the launch tookplace at st Patrick’s national school inDrumcondra in Dublin. the pastoral letteraddressed the valuable contribution and uniquecharacter of Catholic schools in Irish society,invited the public to make submissions on thefuture of Catholic education and to announce the

establishment, by the Bishops’ Conference, incooperation with religious trustees, of a national‘Catholic education service’.

on 19 may Bishop Joseph Duffy, Bishop ofClogher and Chair of the CommunicationsCommission of the Irish Bishops’ Conference,welcomed Pope Benedict xVI’s message for the42nd World Communications Day on the theme‘the media: at the Crossroads between self-Promotion and service. searching for the truth inorder to share it with others’.

on 22 may Broadcaster frank mitchell launchedthe year of Vocation school Prayer Card in stJoseph’s College, ravenhill road, Belfast. theschool prayer card comprised a special prayer forguidance and was aimed at secondary schoolstudents, especially those sitting exams.

on 29 may archbishop martin, along with Bishopmichael smith, Bishop of meath, and rev. Dr eoinCassidy, head of the Department of Philosophy,school of humanities, mater Dei Institute,published the Bishops’ Conference pastoralreflection on the lisbon treaty, Fostering aCommunity of Values, at a press conference inDublin. Fostering a Community of Valuesaddressed: promoting active citizenship; europe: acommunity of values; europe’s Christian heritage;what kind of europe do we want for our children?;and edith stein (st theresa Benedicta of theCross): Co-Patroness of europe.

June

on 5 June archbishop martin, along with Bishopraymond field, auxiliary Bishop of Dublin andICJsa Chairman, launched the ICJsa publicationViolence in Irish Society – Towards an Ecology ofPeace at st Paul’s Church in smithfield, Dublin. srImelda Wickham, national Coordinator of PrisonChaplains, also addressed this media launch.Bishop field said: ‘We cannot underestimate theseriousness of the challenge of countering the riseof a violent culture in Ireland today. there are fartoo many people living amongst us whose liveshave been blighted by the terrible effects ofviolence, the consequences of which are long termboth at a personal level and for society. today’sshort position … is written as an invitation todialogue and to raise consciousness of thecomplexity of the issues involved. the demands ofa commitment to the common good ask nothingless.’

the summer General meeting of the Irish Bishops’Conference concluded in maynooth on 11 June byaddressing the topics: prayers for the victims andsurvivors of the recent cyclone in myanmar(Burma) and the earthquake in China; the fourChurch leaders’ pilgrimage to the holy land; theDóchas Centre and the Central mental hospital;


right to family reunification and the Immigration,residence and Protection Bill 2008; humantrafficking; permanent diaconate; Vision 08 – AVision for Catholic Education in Ireland; year ofVocation initiatives; the 49th Internationaleucharistic Congress in Quebec city; the Day forlife for october; and the appointment of fr eamonmartin as the new executive secretary to the IrishBishops’ Conference. on 16 June the Bishops issued a statement on theChristian theology of marriage: ‘In view of thecurrent debate in our society about the nature ofmarriage, sometimes promoted by individuals orinstitutions who claim support from Christianideals, the Bishops reiterated that marriagepresupposes the mutuality and complementarity ofthe sexes. Christian tradition holds that sexualdifferentiation is intrinsic to our understanding ofthe sacrament of marriage. marriage has a meaningthat is not reducible to individuals’ intentions andsociety’s laws. marriage is not perceived as just anykind of relationship, but as a quite specific kind ofrelationship, with certain core characteristics. theChurch affirms that marriage involves more thanthe commitment of two people to each other. It isoriented towards the sharing of their lives and thesupport they will give each other, and also towardsthe creation of new human beings as the fruit oftheir love. It is for the sake of these two objectivesthat the loving marital relationship between awoman and a man needs to be one that is faithful,exclusive and lasting.’on 22 June Pope Benedict xVI announced thatDublin will host the 50th International eucharisticCongress in 2012. Pope Benedict’s announcementwas broadcast live from rome as part of his homilyduring the final mass of the 49th Internationaleucharistic Congress, the final event in a week-longChurch celebration in Quebec city. attending theCongress in Quebec city were Cardinal Brady andarchbishop martin, who welcomed the news: ‘onbehalf of the Catholic faithful of Ireland, we arehonoured and humbled that the holy father, PopeBenedict xVI, has chosen Dublin to host the 50thInternational eucharistic Congress in 2012. Whilethe theme for the next Congress has yet to befinalised, we are deeply conscious that 2012 alsomarks the 50th anniversary of the opening of thesecond Vatican Council.’on 27 June archbishop martin and Bishop leoo’reilly addressed the Department of educationand science Conference, ‘the GovernanceChallenge for future Primary school needs’, at theroyal hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin. on 29 June the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect noel treanor took place in st Peter’sCathedral in Belfast. speaking at the ceremony,Bishop treanor said: ‘as I follow in the footstepsof Bishop Patrick Walsh, I am aware of settingforth in this ministry on the feast of saints Peter

and Paul, on the first day of the year of st Paul, andalso in the first quarter of the year of Vocation herein Ireland. In the context of the year of Vocation …I am deeply aware of the quiet and unsung heroismwhich the clergy of this diocese demonstrated asthey served their people throughout the years of thetroubles. so too I am deeply aware of the samequiet and unsung heroism and forgiveness shownby people who had themselves suffered so muchduring those same years.’

July

10 July saw the last of the Irish pilgrims departingfor World youth Day (WyD) in sydney, australia.more than 800 young Irish Catholics led by 8Bishops, including Cardinal Brady and archbishopmartin, attended the events in sydney. the themeof WyD 2008 was ‘you will receive power whenthe holy spirit has come upon you; and you will bemy witnesses’ (acts 1:8).on 20 July Bishop Colm o’reilly, Bishop ofardagh and Clonmacnoise, led the 2008 Pioneertotal abstinence association/matt talbotPilgrimage to Knock shrine. In his homily, Bishopo’reilly said: ‘the great founders of thetemperance movements whose vision is still alivein the Pioneer total abstinence association came tobelieve that the problem of abuse of alcohol wouldbe best addressed by taking a positive approach.father theobald mathew and father James Cullenwere convinced that something other thancondemnation or legislation was needed. theyinvested their best effort in motivating people, anapproach which has proved, in fact, to be the betterway. I was very pleased when I was asked to becelebrant and preacher today to concentrate on thespirituality of the association. so I gladly leaveaside the social analysis which throws light on theproblems of excess. Instead I want to reinforce theconviction that you surely share that temperanceand total abstinence are choices based on Christianconviction.’on sunday, 27 July, for the first time, the annualreek sunday pilgrimage and mass on the summitof Croagh Patrick in Co. mayo were televised liveon rtÉ 1. the pilgrimage was led by archbishopmichael neary, archbishop of tuam. In keepingwith the specially dedicated ‘year of Vocation’ forthe Catholic Church in Ireland, the theme for the2008 Croagh Patrick pilgrimage was ‘Vocation’.During his homily, archbishop neary said: ‘this isa holy mountain, made more holy by the men andwomen who have walked and prayed their way tothe top one generation after another. on theseslopes we discover our need of the support ofothers, the encouraging word and the outstretchedhand to those with aching limbs and flagging spirit.this mountain is a parable on life itself and thegreat lesson from this pilgrim mountain is that, in


the Church we all stand in need of each other forwe are all struggling sinners who stand in need ofeach other’s forgiveness. this year has beendesignated as a year when we reflect upon and prayabout the call or vocation we have received.Vocation is a call to witness, service and love. It isnot so much about what we do but about who weare and how we live our lives. In years gone by thiswould have focussed solely on the call to religiouslife or priesthood but now we realise that throughour baptism, we are all called to live out our lives inwhatever vocation or ministry we find ourselves.like the climbers on the mountain this day we areconscious of how much we depend on each other.on the day of baptism we were all given themission of taking part in the endless work of Christ.We all have our unique call in our families, in ourwork, in our monasteries, convents, presbyteriesand communities. some receive a call to marriage,others to single life, to religious life or priesthood.’

August

on 13 august Bishop leo o’reilly addressed theParnell summer school on the theme ‘educatingIreland: its development; role of religiousschooling; impact of the “new Irish” and thepolitics of education’. the summer school was heldat avondale house, Co. Wicklow.on 24 august st Patrick’s College, maynooth,welcomed 20 new seminarians for the beginning oftheir formation for the priesthood at the nationalseminary. at the conclusion of the introductoryprogramme at the end of september, four of thenew seminarians from northern dioceses continuedtheir studies at st malachy’s College in Belfast.Welcoming the new candidates, their families andfriends to maynooth, the President of the College,monsignor hugh Connolly, said: ‘today as ourthoughts and prayers accompany these 20 men,who have taken the first step along the road toordained ministry and to placing their lives at theservice of Christ and of his people, we recall PopeBenedict’s words to seminarians attending thisyear’s World youth Day celebrations: “you are asign of hope and renewal for God’s people; andyours will be the task of building up the lord’shouse in the coming generation.”’on 24 august Cardinal Brady delivered the Bishopstock address at the humbert summer school inBallina, Co. mayo on the relationship betweenIreland and the european Union. In his address,Cardinal Brady said: ‘Ireland owes a lot to theeuropean Union. It is difficult to believe we wouldenjoy the political stability in the north or theeconomic progress in the south we do todaywithout it. this should give us pause for thoughtwhen we reflect on Ireland’s place within the eUand our responsibility towards it.’

September

the largest ever pilgrimage from the archdioceseof Dublin to the marian shrine in lourdes began on7 september. the first of over 3,000 people leftDublin airport on two separate chartered flights.these flights largely catered for the 180 sickpeople, many of whom were in wheelchairs, andtheir helpers. hundreds of other pilgrims andhelpers, all of whom made the trip at their ownexpense, travelled separately. amongst those whotravelled to lourdes were 8 doctors, 55 nurses and700 helpers. fifteen secondary schools wererepresented by pupils and teachers. the pilgrimagewas led by archbishop martin and CardinalDesmond Connell, archbishop emeritus of Dublin,and 50 priests from the archdiocese.

on 10 september Cardinal Brady paid tribute to thelate fr michael melvin sVD: ‘It was with greatsadness and regret that I heard of the untimelydeath last night in st Vincent’s hospital, Dublin, offr michael melvin sVD (61), Director of KairosCommunications in maynooth, the televisionproduction and media training company which thelate fr melvin founded in 1972. the high standardin the area of religious broadcasting set by frmelvin is his undoubted legacy to all of us.’

the second national Grandparents Pilgrimage tookplace on 14 september in the Basilica at Knockshrine, Co. mayo. the pilgrimage was led byBishop John fleming, Bishop of Killala. a special‘Prayer for Grandparents’, which was written byhis holiness Pope Benedict xVI, was presented forthe first time at the pilgrimage by ms CatherineWiley, the coordinator of the pilgrimage. fr liamlawton, guest singer at the event, performed aspecial song that was dedicated to grandparents.the pilgrimage’s keynote address was delivered bymr David Quinn, Director of the Iona Institute.

on 22 september Cardinal Brady launched the newwebsite for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference:www.catholicbishops.ie. the launch took place inmaynooth on the first day of the autumn Generalmeeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference. CardinalBrady said: ‘I am delighted to launch this new user-friendly website, which contains a mine ofinformation on the Bishops of Ireland, detailedinformation on dioceses, as well as on the peopleand organisations who make up the agencies,commissions, councils and other bodies of the IrishBishops’ Conference. Daily mass readings will beavailable on the new site, in english and Irish.Catholicbishops.ie also contains the first onlinemap of the dioceses of Ireland and will offer usersthe option to subscribe to news releases issued bythe Bishops’ Conference via an rss feed. the sitealso contains a bank of audio and video contentfrom the Conference and will have regular featurearticles focussed on the mission and work of theChurch in Ireland. We hope to build on the site’s


content over time and develop new features in linewith the needs of users.’the autumn General meeting of the Irish Bishops’Conference also discussed the following issues:september general prayer intention of PopeBenedict xVI; Civil Partnership Bill 2008; recentdownturn in the economy; northern Ireland;alternative locations to prison; Broadcasting Bill2008 and restrictions on religious advertising; yearof Vocation – Priesthood sunday on 28 september2008; United nations annual General assembly;Irish peacekeeping troops; synod of Bishops inrome: 5–26 october 2008; Day for life on 5october 2008; national Day of Prayer for Childrenon 10 october; mission sunday on 19 october;eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 2012; newappointments: ms eileen flynn as the new Generalsecretary of the Catholic Primary schoolmanagers’ association and ms ruth Barror as thenew national Director for aCCorD, the Catholicmarriage Care service.Priesthood sunday was celebrated for the first timein Ireland on 28 september as an opportunity tohighlight and promote in particular the vocation tothe priesthood. It was a day to reflect upon andaffirm the role of the priest in the life of theChurch. Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop of Killaloe,issued a pastoral letter to mark Priesthood sunday.In his pastoral letter, Bishop Walsh said: ‘avocation is the life God calls us to live. the year ofVocation is an invitation to each one of us to reflecton our own vocation as young or old, married orsingle, layperson, priest or religious. Priesthood isone of God’s unique gifts to the world and it isoffered not only to young people but also to olderpeople. I look back on almost fifty years ofpriesthood as a very fulfilling time for me. yes,there have been times of pain and struggle, butwhat life is spared pain or struggle? I can honestlysay that I have experienced great joy as well andthankfully joy is also something common to alllives. I have no hesitation in recommending thisway of life to anyone who is discerning their life’sdirection. I invite parents to encourage suchgenerosity. I ask all of you to pray that more willrespond to God’s call.’

October

on 4 october the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative(IBDI) hosted its first national conference inmaynooth. the theme of the conference,‘alcohol/Drugs – Parishes respond’, wasaddressed by Bishop noel treanor, Bishop ofDown and Connor. Bishop treanor officiallylaunched a report at the conference which exploresbest practice in drug prevention based on feedbackfrom pilot parish projects around the country. onehundred and sixty delegates, representing ten pilotparish projects, were welcomed to the conference

by Bishop Éamonn Walsh, vice-chair of the IBDI.Bishop Walsh said: ‘there are many ways in whichparishes can contribute to the prevention of drugand alcohol problems. for example, if parishschools are already teaching the social Personaland health education Programme, then they arealready strengthening young people in theirresponse to drugs.’Cardinal Brady and archbishop martin attended the12th ordinary General assembly of Bishops inrome from 5–26 october. the theme of the synodwas ‘the Word of God in the life and mission ofthe Church’. Cardinal Brady and archbishopmartin both delivered interventions during thesynod. the Catholic Church in Ireland marked the ‘Dayfor life’ on sunday, 5 october at massesthroughout the country with a pastoral letterpromoting mental health, addressing this importantaspect of healthcare. the pastoral, jointly publishedby the Catholic Bishops of Ireland, scotland,england and Wales, was distributed throughout thecountry and is available on www.catholicbishops.ie.speaking on the theme, Bishop John fleming said:‘the Church’s annual Day for life message seeksto highlight the value and sacredness of human lifeand the care which everyone in society should showfor one another. feedback from the 2004 Day forlife, ‘life is for living – a reflection on suicide’,clearly indicated the need for a more widespreadawareness of the importance of mental health insociety as a whole. accordingly, the Irish, scottish,english and Welsh Bishops have chosen the themeof mental health this year.’on 8 october the Bishops of the west of Irelandexpressed their concern that the WesternDevelopment Commission may be subsumed intoanother state agency: ‘the review and possiblerationalisation of state agencies is understandablein the current economic climate. however, such areview should also include the regional significanceof each agency. It would defy logic and is contraryto public policy in its true sense, if the existenceand functions of the Western DevelopmentCommission were to be undermined by such areview. the western Bishops began the processwhich led to the establishment of the WesternDevelopment Commission. It was founded on thebasis of research into the regional reasons for theeconomic depression and depopulation in the west.for the Commission now to face possibleintegration into a larger, state-wide agency wouldbe a retrograde step of incalculable economic andsocial proportions for the people and communitiesof the west of Ireland. Its strategic regionalcontribution, through its research and Investmentfund, is vital. We appeal to the government not tothwart the successful work of the WesternDevelopment Commission by changing its statusnow. the economic and social progress experienced



over the last decade by the western counties,including Donegal and Clare, is in no small partdue to the role of the Commission. We call on allpublic representatives from the west, at local,national and european Parliament level, to supportour request and seek a commitment fromgovernment not to diminish the existence andindependent operation of the Western DevelopmentCommission. With the economy now in recessionand a banking crisis undermining the globalfinancial markets, the community of the west ofIreland needs the Western DevelopmentCommission today more than ever.’on 20 october the leaders of the four mainChurches in Ireland asked all Westminster mPs tovote against a proposed amendment to the humanfertilisation and embryology Bill due to be debatedin the British Parliament that week with a view toextending the 1967 abortion act to northernIreland. Cardinal Brady, archbishop harper,Presbyterian moderator Dr Donald Patton andmethodist President rev. aidan ferguson wrote tothe mPs indicating their support for the leaders ofthe local political parties in asserting that the lawon abortion in northern Ireland should be a matterfor the northern Ireland assembly.on 22 october archbishop Clifford opened theinaugural conference, ‘researching in the Churchin Ireland’, in maynooth. the conference wasorganised by the Bishops’ Council for research andDevelopment. In his address, archbishop Cliffordsaid: ‘as far as I am aware, this is the first time agathering like this has been brought together by theCouncil for research and Development. as such, itis a step toward building a stronger, all-islandnetwork of those who carry out, and thoseinterested in, research as a process.’ on 28 october archbishop Clifford, a member ofthe governing body of University College Cork(UCC), issued a statement concerning the decisiontaken by the UCC Board of Governors regardingfacilitating research on embryonic stem cells.archbishop Clifford reiterated that human life issacred from the moment of conception until naturaldeath and it is wrong to conduct research onembryonic stem cells and that such research shouldbe prohibited by law. he said: ‘this research iscontrary to the ethical and moral teaching of theCatholic Church because it is contrary to thecommon good.’

November

on 4 november Cardinal Brady addressed theCéifin Conference in ennis, Co. Clare, on thetheme ‘the family as the foundation of society’.In his address, Cardinal Brady said: ‘there are fewinstitutions more important to the future of oursociety than the family. there are few that havebeen subject to such rapid and fundamental change

in our lifetime.’ Cardinal Brady set out the basis forthe Church’s conviction that marriage, the familyand the general good of society are sointerdependent that one cannot flourish without theother. Cardinal Brady examined some of the recenttrends associated with marriage and the family, andargued that legislation and policies that promotecommitment in marriage are, in fact, more sociallyprogressive and beneficial to society than thosewhich endorse, simply because they have becomemore widespread, attitudes and trends whichundermine that commitment. Cardinal Brady alsocommented on the question of a proposedequivalence between cohabitation and marriage aswell as same-sex unions and marriage.

on 5 november Cardinal Brady addressed theoireachtas sub-Committee on Ireland’s future inthe european Union. In his address, Cardinal Bradysaid: ‘I am mindful here of the particularcontribution of Irish Christianity to the traditionand ideal of the eU. robert schuman famouslydescribed our own Columbanus as “a patron saintfor all involved in the construction of a unifiedeurope”. I believe Ireland still has somethingimportant to offer the social dimension of europetoday. our Christian heritage, shared by thedifferent Christian traditions on this island,contributed immensely to the values upon whichthe eU was founded. a rediscovery of these values,giving renewed priority to the question of a“europe of Values” may help to reconnect somecitizens with the broader project of the eU itself. Iwant to acknowledge today that much progress hasbeen made in these areas. I acknowledge inparticular that Ireland was among the first countriesin europe to initiate the “structured dialogue” nowproposed in the lisbon treaty. Concerns around theright of Churches to organise themselves inconformity with their proper convictions as well assome ethical positions at the eU level continue toexist. Greater assurance around these may alleviatesome of the legitimate concerns that exist about thefuture intentions of the eU in this regard. It mayalso provide a stronger basis on which to challengethose who might chose to misrepresent the eUposition on these issues as part of a broader anti-eUapproach. If I may conclude in the words of PopeBenedict: “the european home, as we readily referto the community of this continent, will be a goodplace to live for everyone, only if it is built on asolid cultural and moral foundation of commonvalues drawn from our history and our traditions.europe cannot and must not deny her Christianroots. these represent a dynamic component of ourcivilisation as we move forward into the thirdmillennium.”’

on 12 november members of the Bishops’Commission on education met with the ministerfor education and science, mr Batt o’Keeffe tD.the meeting took place in Government Buildings

and addressed the issue of the provision of religiouseducation for Catholic children in Communitynational schools. Bishops confirmed again theirdesire to see the additional model of patronage inCommunity national schools succeed. Bishopsemphasised their wish to be able to assure Catholicparents of pupils in Community national schoolsthat their children would follow the same religiouseducation programme as in a Catholic school. afterthe meeting, Bishop leo o’reilly, said: ‘Wewelcome the minister’s reaffirmation of the policyon religious education provision originallyannounced and we look forward to it beingimplemented accordingly. once again we welcomethis additional model of patronage and wish itwell.’ the Winter General meeting of the Bishops’Conference concluded on 25 november with apress conference in the Columba Centre,maynooth. the following issues were discussedduring the Bishops’ meeting: Pope Benedict xVI’sgeneral prayer intentions for December; meeting inmaynooth between members of the Irish Bishops’Conference and mr hans-Gert Pöttering, Presidentof the european Parliament; recent violence in theDemocratic republic of the Congo; advent and thesacrament of reconciliation; report on the 12thsynod of Bishops; year of st Paul; Christian valuesand the world economy; northern Ireland;eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 2012; CivilPartnership Bill 2008; year of Vocation; annualreport 2007 and Directory of the Irish Bishops’Conference; trócaire’s ‘Global Gift’ campaign for2008; and the 2009 dates for the standing andGeneral meetings of the Bishops’ Conference.on 28 november Bishop Gerard Clifford, auxiliaryBishop of armagh, presided at mass in theCathedral of st Bavo, Ghent, to mark the ordinationof st oliver Plunkett as archbishop of armagh 339years ago. During his homily, Bishop Clifford said:‘I am delighted today to join you here for yoursunday liturgy. today 70 people have come fromIreland, from the archdiocese of armagh, toremember that some 339 years ago one of the greatarchbishops of armagh, st oliver Plunkett, wasordained here by the Bishop of Ghent. today wewill unveil a plaque here in the Cathedral tocommemorate that event. We come on the first dayof the new liturgical year, the first sunday ofadvent. the message in our liturgy is to “stayawake”. the first sunday of advent has two clearmessages for all of us. It calls us to preparespiritually for Christ’s coming at Christmas. It alsohas a more lasting message. It calls us to thinkseriously about the great issues of life, about themeaning of life, about our relationship with God,the role of faith in our own lives and the duty tohand on that faith to the next generation.’

December

on 4 December Veritas, the Bishops’ publishingagency, issued a statement referring to itsdisappointment that it had been essentially blockedby the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland frombroadcasting a radio advert on rtÉ that wouldallow the store to advertise its presence and sell itsproducts on the Christmas market. Veritas bookedthe advertising space last august and had beenendeavouring to secure approval for an advert sinceearly november. the Veritas statement said: ‘theBCI is in our view taking an extremely narrowview of current legislation and is unfairly applyingsomewhat different standards to Veritas than toother bodies.’ to mark the launch by the Congregation for theDoctrine of the faith of Dignitas Personae:Instruction on Certain Bioethical Questions, on 12December, a special video feature was launched onwww.catholicbishops.ie and explanatory articleswere written for newspapers and publications. Inthe web recordings, Bishop Donal murray, Bishopof limerick and Chair of the Bishops’ BioethicsConsultative Group, and Dr Phil Boyle, a fertilityspecialist based at the Galway Clinic, discuss issuesaddressed by Dignitas Personae. also available aspart of the web feature is the text of DignitasPersonae, the publication What is a Person? byBishop Donal murray, as well as related links anduseful information. on 30 December archbishop harper and CardinalBrady issued the following statement: ‘as pilgrimstogether for peace, earlier this year we visited theland of the holy one. It is, therefore, with distressand deepening concern for all innocent victims thatwe have followed the unfolding tragedy of Gaza.We call upon the authorities in both Israel and Gazaimmediately to disengage and cease all hostilities toenable a permanent ceasefire to be negotiated. onlywhen violence has ceased will it be possible tobegin to negotiate a peace that will last. We callupon all people of faith to pray for all caught up inthe conflict. We also call upon the internationalcommunity and particularly the United states andthe european Union to bring maximum influence tobear to end all violence immediately and to createconditions that will lead to a just peace forPalestinians and Israelis alike.’

Please see the website of the Irish Bishops’Conference, www.catholicbishops.ie, for greaterdetail on all the foregoing, as well as otherinitiatives and statements.


Photo Gallery


16 January 2008: Cardinal Seán Brady pictured withMonsignor Liam Bergin, Rector of the Pontifical IrishCollege Rome and XXXXXXXXX on the occasion of his firstMass in his titular Church of Saints Cyricus and Julitta inRome.

27 January 2008: Bishop Brendan Kelly pictured withCardinal Seán Brady at the Cathedral of the Annunciationand St Nathy in Ballaghaderreen on the occasion of theEpiscopal Ordination of Bishop Kelly.

11 February 2008: Bishop Gerard Clifford, Auxiliary Bishopof Armagh, pictured with Ms Lynn Fitzgerald, Lucan, andher fiancé, Mr Neville Rhatigan, Sandycove, in WhitefriarStreet Church, Dublin, on the occasion of the launch of anew ACCORD publication, Planning Your Wedding Day.

18 February 2008: Mr Conor Gearty, London School ofEconomics, Ms Lucy Fallon-Byrne, Director NCCP, MrRotimi Adebari, Mayor of Portlaoise, and Cardinal SeánBrady at a conference hosted by the Irish Commissionfor Justice and Social Affairs entitled ‘Who is myneighbour?’, which was based on the social encyclicalof Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est. TheConference was held in Croke Park, Dublin.

4 February 2008: Mr Martin McGuinness, Deputy FirstMinister of Northern Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady and thethen Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD at the State Reception forCardinal Brady in honour of his elevation to the College ofCardinals on 24 November 2007.

23 February 2008: Ms Claire Barry, CURA Regional Coordinator,Bishop John Fleming, President of CURA, Ms Katharine Bulbulia,Chairperson of Crisis Pregnancy Agency, Most Rev. ChristopherJones, Bishop of Elphin, Ms Caroline Spillane, Director of CrisisPregnancy Agency and the Most Rev. Colm O’Reilly, Bishop ofArdagh and Clonmacnoise at the CURA Annual Conference inWexford.

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery 13

7 March 2008: Ms Anne Coleman, ACCORD and Mr DavidColeman, clinical psychologist, broadcaster and author, whowas one of the guest speakers at the ACCORD AnnualConference which was held in Ballybrit, Co. Galway from 8–9 March 2008.

29 April 2008: Archbishop Alan Harper, Church of IrelandArchbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Seán Brady, Rev. RoyCooper, President of the Methodist Church, and Dr JohnFinlay, Presbyterian Moderator, pictured during the visit ofthe four Church leaders to the Holy Land from 29 April–2May 2008.

10 May 2008: Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, TitularArchbishop of Lilybaeum and Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland,with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, atthe liturgical reception in honour of Archbishop Leanza in StMary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin.

3 April 2008: Lt. Col. Matt Murray and Bishop Donal Murray,Bishop of Limerick, inspecting a Guard of Honour at CampClarke, Lipljan, during Bishop Murray’s pastoral visit to Irishpersonnel serving in Kosovo.

8 April 2008: Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Archbishop ofCashel and Emly, Ms Breda Landy-Horgan (parent), Mr EoinO’Mahony, Social Researcher with the Council for Researchand Development (CRD), and Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Chair ofthe Bishops’ Education Commission, at the launch of theresults of a survey, Factors Determining School Choice,commissioned by the Education Commission and carried outby the CRD.

10 March 2009: Mgr Hugh Connolly, President, St Patrick’sCollege, Maynooth, Ms Niamh Garvey (Trócaire), Fr SeánMacDonagh SSC, Minister Eamon Ryan, Justin Kilcullen,Director of Trócaire, Bishop John Kirby, Chairman ofTrócaire, Sorcha Fennell, Trócaire, at the Trócaire AnnualLecture in association with St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.


Photo Gallery

12 May 2008: Bishop Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop ofDown and Connor, Sr Elizabeth Maxwell, President ofCORI, and Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Chair of the Bishops’Commission for Education, at the launch of Vision 08 – AVision for Catholic Education in Ireland, a pastoral letter onCatholic Education, which was launched in St Patrick’sNational School, Drumcondra, Dublin.

29 May 2008: Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop ofDublin and Vice-President of the Irish Bishops’ Conference,pictured at the launch of the Bishops’ pastoral reflection onthe Lisbon Treaty, Fostering a Community of Values, whichwas launched at a press conference in Mater Dei Institute ofEducation, Dublin.

July 2008: Fiona Murphy, Fr Paul Dempsey, DanikaPercival, Bishop Jim Moriarty and Eilis Fox from theDiocese of Kildare and Leighlin prepare to join thousands ofWorld Youth Day pilgrims from all over the world in Sydney,Australia for the celebration of World Youth Day with theHoly Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

27 July 2008: Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop ofTuam, is pictured during the celebration of Mass on thesummit of Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday. The Mass wasthe first ever televised Mass from the summit and the themeof the pilgrimage and the homily of the televised Mass wasvocation.

5 June 2008: Rev. Dr Eoin Cassidy, ICJSA member,Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, MsNicola Rooney, ICJSA Research Coordinator, and BishopRaymond Field, Chairman of the ICJSA, at the launch ofViolence in Irish Society: Towards an Ecology of Peace, anew ICJSA position paper on violence. The launch tookplace in St Paul’s Church in Smithfield, Dublin.

29 June 2008: Bishop Noel Treanor is pictured in the StPeter’s Cathedral in Belfast following his EpiscopalOrdination as Bishop of Down and Connor.

Photo Gallery 15

14 September 2008: ‘Dana’ Rosemary Scallan, BishopJohn Fleming, Bishop of Killala, Ms Marie Hogan, Presidentof St Joseph’s Young Priests Society, and Fr Liam Lawtonat the 2nd National Grandparents Pilgrimage in Our Lady ofKnock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo.

22 September 2008: Ms Kathy Tynan, CatholicCommunications Office, and Cardinal Seán Brady at thelaunch of the new Irish Bishops’ Conference website(www.catholicbishops.ie) in Columba Centre, Maynooth,Co. Kildare.

22 October 2008: Mr Eoin O’Mahony, Council for Researchand Development (CRD), Ms Nicola Rooney (ICJSA), MsBrenda Drumm (CCO) and Archbsihop Dermot Clifford,Archbishop of Cashel and Emly and Chair of the CRD, atthe inaugural conference organised by the CRD on‘Researching in the Church in Ireland’, in St Patrick’sCollege, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

24 November 2008: Mgr Hugh Connolly, President of StPatrick’s College, Maynooth, Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishopof Down and Connor, Cardinal Seán Brady, Mr Hans-GertPöttering, President of the European Parliament,Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Bishop William Lee,Secretary of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, pictured at StPatrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, on the occasion ofthe visit of Mr Pöttering to the Winter General Meeting ofthe Irish Bishops’ Conference.

22 September 2008: Bishop Donal Murray, Bishop ofLimerick, Bishop Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop ofDown and Connor, and Bishop Sam Poyntz, former Churchof Ireland Bishop of Connor, at the launch, in Maynooth, Co.Kildare, of Inter-Church Relations: Developments andPerspectives, which was published by Veritas to celebratethe silver jubilee of Bishop Farquhar’s episcopate and hiscontribution to inter-church relations.

4 October 2008: Bishop Éamonn Walsh, Auxiliary Bishop ofDublin and Vice-Chair of the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative(IBDI), speaking to media at the first IBDI nationalconference, in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, on the theme‘Alcohol Drugs – Parishes Respond’.

Photo Gallery


Year of Vocation in Ireland 2008–2009

13 April 2008: Emma Tobin (11) from Newbridge, Co.Kildare, with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop ofDublin, at the launch and opening Mass for the Year ofVocation in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin, which tookplace on Vocation Sunday.

17 May 2008: Ms Brenda Drumm, Year of Vocation ProjectManager, Ms Patricia Bourke D’Souza, soloist, and Sr MarieDunne CHF, composer of the Year of Vocation song, ‘YouWill Be My Witnesses’, at its launch in the St John of GodHospital, Stillorgan, Dublin.

13 February 2009: Mr John Waters,Journalist and Columnist, Ms FrancesDignan, Director of Vocations Ireland, and FrAnthony Gittins CSSp, Professor of Missionand Culture, Catholic Theological Union,Chicago, at the Year of Vocation Conferenceon Religious Life and Call on the theme‘Disturbed by the Spirit – Called to be Sent’,which was held in the Stillorgan Park Hotel,Dublin.

3 May 2009: Members of the Year of Vocation Committee pictured onVocations Sunday with Cardinal Seán Brady and Bishop Donal McKeown inSt Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, where the closing Mass for the Year ofVocation and the new vocations DVD for Ireland, You Will Be My Witnesses,was launched.

22 May 2008: Bishop Donal McKeown, Auxiliary Bishop of Down andConnor and Chairman of the Bishops’ Commission on Vocations, withBroadcaster, Frank Mitchell, and students from St Joseph’s College,Ravenhill Road, Belfast, at the launch of the Year of Vocation School Prayer Card.

28 September 2008: Ms Marie Hogan,President of St Joseph’s Young Priest’sSociety, Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop ofArmagh, and Fr Paddy Rushe, NationalCoordinator of Diocesan Vocations, at thecelebration of Priesthood Sunday inBallapousta, Co. Louth.

Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland 17

his excellency archbishopleanza arrived in Ireland on22 april 2008 and presentedhis Credential letters toPresident mary mcaleese onmonday, 28 april.

Born in Cesar (messina),Italy, on 2 January 1943, hereceived his priestlyordination on 17 July 1966.

after being awarded aDoctorate in Canon law, heentered the diplomatic serviceof the holy see in 1972.archbishop leanza has served successively at thePontifical representations in Paraguay, Uganda,the United states of america, and in the sectionfor relations with states at the secretariat of state.

on 3 July 1990 he was appointed apostolicnuncio to haiti and titular archbishop oflilybaeum. he was appointed apostolic Pro-nuncio to Zambia and malawi on 4 June 1991.

on 29 april 1999 he was appointed apostolicnuncio in Bosnia and herzegovina andsubsequently apostolic nuncio to slovenia andthe republic of macedonia on 15 may 2002.

archbishop leanza has served as apostolicnuncio in Bulgaria since 22 february 2003.

Besides his native language, the newly appointedapostolic nuncio speaks english, french, serbo-Croat and spanish.

rev. Juan antonio Cruzserano was born in maría, inthe province of almería,spain, 29 september 1976.

Philosophical andtheological studies at theDiocesan seminary, almería.

ordained a priest, 15september 2001.

Degree in Canon law,Pontifical GregorianUniversity, rome (2000–2002).

Doctorate in Canon law, Pontifical GregorianUniversity, rome (2002–2004).

Diploma at the Diplomatic Pontifical academy,rome (2002–2004).

entered the Diplomatic service of the holy see in2004 and served in apostolic nunciature,Zimbabwe, 2004–2007.

appointed secretary at the apostolic nunciatureto Ireland on 29 June 2007.

Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland:Apostolic Nuncio: Most Rev. Dr Giuseppe Leanza,Titular Archbishop of LilybaeumCounsellor: Rev. Juan Antonio Cruz SerranoThe Apostolic Nunciature,183 Navan Road, Dublin 7Tel: + 353 (0) 1 838 0577Fax: + 353 (0) 1 838 0276

A Papal Nuncio (officially known as an Apostolic Nuncio) is a permanent diplomatic representative(head of diplomatic mission) of the holy see to a state or international organisation, having the rank ofan ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, usually with the ecclesiastical rank of titulararchbishop. the nuncio serves as the liaison between the holy see and the roman Catholic diocesanepiscopate in the nation or region to which he is assigned.

Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland

Rev. Juan AntonioCruz Serrano,Counsellor

His ExcellencyMost Rev. DrGiuseppe Leanza,Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland

Cardinal Joseph ratzinger, Pope Benedict xVI, was born at marktl am Inn, Dioceseof Passau (Germany), on 16 april 1927. he spent his childhood and adolescence intraunstein, a small village near the austrian border. from 1946 to 1951 he studiedphilosophy and theology in the higher school of Philosophy and theology offreising and at the University of munich. he received his priestly ordination on 29June 1951. on 25 march 1977 Pope Paul VI named him archbishop of munich andfreising and he received his episcopal ordination on 28 may 1977. Pope Paul VImade him a Cardinal during the consistory of 27 June 1977. Pope John Paul II madehim Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the faith and President of thePontifical Biblical Commission and of the International theological Commission on25 november 1981. he was elected Pope on 19 april 2005, taking the name PopeBenedict xVI. he was inaugurated on 24 april 2005 as the 265th Pope.on 22 June 2008 Pope Benedict xVI announced that Dublin is to host the eucharistic Congress in 2012.Pope Benedict made the announcement live from rome as part of his homily during the final mass ofthe 49th eucharistic Congress, which was held in Quebec, Canada.

Pope Benedict XVI

Creating safe environments for Children hasbecome a significant priority for all parts of theCatholic Church in Ireland. In recognising pastfailings, Church leadership has made a strongcommitment to establishing structures, supportedby robust policies and procedures, which willensure the safety and well-being of children andyoung people in the Church.

following the launch of Our Children, Our

Church in December 2005, the Irish episcopalConference, the Conference of religious ofIreland (CorI) and the Irish missionary Union(ImU) collaborated to establish a national Boardfor Child Protection, appointing mr Justiceanthony hederman as its first chairman. theBoard chose to adopt a different title to reflectmore accurately the wider view of its remit. Itadopted the title national Board for safeguardingChildren in the Catholic Church in Ireland earlyin 2008. It is now legally incorporated under thename Coimirce, which translates as ‘safeguard’.

safeguarding is a term which incorporatespractices that prevent abuse happening in thefirst place, creates environments that are safe forchildren and develops appropriate responses ifthere are concerns that a child has been abused.to reflect this comprehensive approach, thenational Board believes that if it is toappropriately assist all parts of the Church thatthis wider term should become the language andpractice commonly used in the Church.

the national Board is of the view, which issupported by the sponsoring bodies – the Irishepiscopal Conference, CorI and ImU – that theresponsibility for ensuring the implementation ofChurch policies lies with the Bishops andreligious leaders themselves, aided by ‘bestpractice’ advice from the Board and its nationaloffice. the main objective of the Board,therefore, is to promote, on behalf of the Catholic

Church in Ireland, thesafeguarding of children sothat they may grow anddevelop in a healthy andnurturing environment. theBoard carries forward thisobjective by providingadvice on best practice, bysupporting the developmentof high quality services andby monitoring the policies,procedures and theirimplementation in practice.

In may 2007 the Board appointed a Chiefexecutive officer, Ian elliott, and established anational office. During 2008 a staff complimentof four was achieved. the work of the Ceo andhis staff is guided by the objectives of the Board.

In november 2007 Judge hederman retired fromhis position as Chair of the Board and wasreplaced by aidan Canavan. the Board operatesa sub-committee structure to assist with carryingout its obligations.

During 2008 the Board produced Safeguarding

Children – Standards and Guidance for the

Catholic Church in Ireland. this guidancedocument sets out for the Church the expectedstandards of policy and practice required tosafeguard children.

the Board is guided by the vision and examplegiven by Jesus Christ himself, who showed aconstant care for the vulnerable. In matthew 25Jesus tells us that wherever we assist and showconcern and compassion for the least in ourcommunity, we show it to him. he extendedsuch care in a tender and urgent way to children(mt 19:14) and he uttered a grave warning aboutanyone who would lead little ones astray (mt18:6).

the national Board’s first report is availablefrom new house, st Patrick’s College,maynooth, Co. Kildare or atwww.safeguarding.ie.

National Board for Safeguarding Children in theCatholic Church in IrelandNew House, St Patrick’s College,Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3018/505 3026Email: [email protected]

Ian Elliott, CEO, Teresa Devlin and Sr Colette Stephenson


National Board for Safeguarding Children in theCatholic Church in Ireland

Directory of Commissions and Agencies of the Irish Bishops’ Conference 19

archbishop Diarmuid martin is the Chairman of the Department of socialIssues and International affairs, which is comprised of the followingcommissions and agencies: Irish Commission for Justice and social affairs,europe, trócaire and missions. mr harry Casey is executive secretary ofthis department.

archbishop Dermot Clifford is the Chairman of the Department of Planningand Communications, which is comprised of the following commissions andagencies: Communications, finance and General Purposes and research andDevelopment. fr timothy Bartlett is executive secretary of this department.

Bishop Donal murray is the Chairman of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, which is comprised of the following commissionsand agencies: Bioethics, education, Catechetics, ecumenism, Doctrine*,Clergy/seminaries/Permanent Diaconate and religious. mgr James Cassin isexecutive secretary of this department.

Bishop Christopher Jones is the Chairman of the Department of PastoralCare, which is comprised of the following commissions and agencies:aCCorD, CUra, migrants, healthcare* and family and Children. fr Petermurphy is executive secretary of this department.

Bishop James moriarty is the Chairman of the Department of Worship,Pastoral renewal and faith Development, which is comprised of thefollowing commissions and agencies: Pastoral renewal and its sub-groups,(i) faith Development and family life, (ii) renewal of Parish life and (iii)Pastoral outreach to young People, liturgy, Irish language and Vocations.sr anne Codd is executive secretary of this department.

*a Bioethics Consultative Group serves the various commissions and agencies of theBishops’ Conference, in particular the Doctrine and healthcare Commissions.

PART IIThE DEPARTMENTS OF ThE BIShOPS’ CONFERENCE


the ICJsa, established by the Irish episcopalConference in 2005, is composed of fourepiscopal members and an advisory Board ofsixteen additional members with a wide range ofrelated experience and expertise. theCommission is chaired by most rev. raymondfield, auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, and theresearch Coordinator is ms nicola rooney. theCommission advises the Irish episcopalConference on issues of social justice, nationaland international. Its mission statement is: ‘topromote the social dimension of the Gospel witha view to building a civilisation of love.’

Summary of the key activities of the ICJSA

on monday, 18 february the ICJsa hosted amajor conference at Croke Park, Dublin, on thetheme ‘Who is my neighbour?’, based on PopeBenedict xVI’s first encyclical letter, Deus

Caritas Est. the conference was opened byCardinal seán Brady and was attended by morethan 250 people, a positive indication of thewide-ranging interest in the practical applicationof Catholic social teaching. a book based on theconference proceedings, Who is my Neighbour?,

is available from Veritas.

the ICJsa, in collaboration with trócaire,released a statement in advance of the combinedpresidential, parliamentary, senatorial and localcouncil elections held in march 2008 inZimbabwe. the statement highlighted a numberof key concerns surrounding the conduct of theelections and concluded by recommending waysin which the Irish Government could support thepeople of Zimbabwe, both in the period leadingup to the elections and in the long term.

In may 2008, on the eve of the DublinDiplomatic Conference on the internationalCluster munitions treaty, the ICJsa, togetherwith trócaire, issued a statement calling for acomplete ban on cluster munitions.

on 5 June 2008 archbishop Diarmuid martinlaunched the ICJsa position paper, Violence in

Irish Society: Towards an Ecology of Peace, in stPaul’s Church, arran Quay, Dublin. archbishopmartin stated that the document ‘has the merit ofdrawing attention to and challenging all of us toaddress the problem of violence in contemporaryIrish society in a more organic way than is oftenthe case. It addresses many aspects of violenceand reminds us that violence must be addressedat its roots.’

on 8 november 2008 Bishop William murphyand the Kerry Diocesan Justice, Peace andCreation Committee, with the support of theICJsa, hosted a very successful seminar basedon the Violence in Irish Society paper, ‘theChallenge of Violence’. this event broughttogether representatives of various organisationsworking in relevant fields to review responses tothe problem of violence in Kerry.

on saturday, 29 november 2008, the ICJsa andtrócaire jointly hosted a workshop entitledWorking for Justice and Peace in your Diocese

in the trócaire offices, maynooth. the workshopwas intended to provide an opportunity for thesharing of information and ideas, facilitatingnetworking between existing Justice and Peacegroups and individuals who might be interestedin establishing new groups. representatives ofexisting Diocesan Justice and Peace groupsspoke about their work and Bishop raymondfield, ICJsa Chairman, and Justin Kilcullen,Director of trócaire, addressed the group,outlining the support both organisations canoffer.

on 14 December 2008 the ICJsa launched astatement, Violence Against Women in War – We

Cannot Remain Silent, in the Daughters ofCharity Community services Centre, henriettast, Dublin. the statement condemned the use ofsexual violence against women as a weapon ofwar in the Democratic republic of Congo.

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Bishop Raymond Field, Chairman, and Ms Nicola Rooney,Research Coordinator of the Irish Commission for Justiceand Social Affairs

Irish Commission for Justice and Social AffairsColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3000www.catholicbishops.ie


recognising the need for a Church response tothe growing numbers of people seeking asylumin Ireland toward the end of the last millennium,the march 1999 meeting of the Irish CatholicBishops’ Conference (IBC) made the decision toinitiate the refugee Project.

the refugee Project was established: • to act as a well-informed resource to the

Bishops’ Conference and to individualBishops on asylum, refugee and related issues;

• to promote awareness, information andeducation within the Church and society atlarge regarding the nature of asylum, the needsof asylum seekers and refugees and relatedissues;

• to contribute to the pastoral care of refugeesand asylum seekers by being a resource forrelevant Church Commissions with specificareas of pastoral responsibility, such aspastoral, liturgy, doctrine and education;

• to contribute to public policy debate onasylum, refugee and related issues.

although set up under the aegis of threeCommissions, including the Irish Commissionfor Justice and Peace (ICJP), the Project was tobe located so that it could operate on a day-to-day basis within the ICJP (now the IrishCommission for Justice and social affairs). Withthe subsequent establishment of departmentswithin the IBC, the Project was assigned to theDepartment of social Issues and Internationalaffairs, and its brief expanded to includemigrants whose presence in Ireland had grownsignificantly.

the Project initiated the Churches’ asylumnetwork (Can), which meets six times annuallyand brings together members of ChristianChurches/communities around the country,including delegates of Catholic dioceses, working

with and on behalf of refugees and migrants.representatives of Can meet quarterly with thereception and Integration agency of theDepartment of Justice, equality and law reformon issues of concern, including those relating toseparated children (unaccompanied minors) and tofamilies and individuals seeking asylum and livingin Direct Provision centres around the country.

Sanctuary, a bi-monthly newsletter, coversasylum, refugee and migrant matters, nationallyand internationally, from a religious perspective.also published by the Project, Who’s Who? is areader-friendly guide to the various categories ofnewcomers to Ireland and their rights andentitlements.

In conjunction with other organisations, theProject is in ongoing discussion with variousstatutory and other bodies on a range of issuesrelating to the rights of people seeking asylum,refugees and migrants. the Project is a memberof act to Prevent trafficking and participates inaPt’s Working Group on legislation and Policy.

Involved in several inter-Church bodiesnationally, the refugee and migrant Projectcooperates in initiatives to promote theintegration of newcomers to the country, toaddress racial justice issues and to buildrelationships with minority ethnic Churches. aspart of the all-Ireland Churches’ Consultativemeeting on racism, the Project has collaboratedin the preparation of resource materials, includingUnity in Diversity in our Churches, Directory of

Migrant-led Churches in Ireland and the revisedWhat the Bible Says About the Stranger.

the Project Director represents the Irish Inter-Church meeting in the racial Justice network ofChurches together in Britain and Ireland andserves on its organising Committee.

at european level, the project is activelyinvolved in the migration Working Groups of theCommission of Bishops’ Conferences of theeuropean Union, Commission of Bishops’Conferences of europe, Caritas europa and haslinks with the International Catholic migrationCommission and the Conference of europeanChurches.

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Bishop Raymond Field, Chairman of the Irish Commissionfor Justice and Social Affairs, and Sr Joan Roddy, Directorof the Refugee and Migrant Project

Refugee and Migrant Project

Sr Joan RoddyDirector, Refugee and Migrant ProjectColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3157Fax: +353 (0)1 601 6401Email: [email protected]

trócaire is the official overseas developmentagency of the Catholic Church in Ireland. theorganisation was established by the Irish CatholicBishops in 1973 to support the world’s poorestand most oppressed people. trócaire works inpartnership with Church, missionary and localnon-government organisations across africa, asia,latin america and the middle east. In the lastfinancial year trócaire funded 124 programmesthat tackle poverty and respond to emergencies tothe value of €60.2 million.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods

In 2008 trócaire supported 29 livelihoodprogrammes. much of its work in 2008 helpedcommunities to make their livelihoods moreresilient to disasters, in particular to the impactsof climate change. this included incorporatingdrought-tolerant crops, diversifying into smallanimals, vegetable plots and fruit trees, soil andwater conservation, improved agriculture andirrigation.

Governance and Human Rights

In 2008 trócaire promoted respect for humanrights, better governance and peace in 29 countries.trócaire supported its partners in promotingtransparent governance, developing free andindependent media and advocating for freedom ofinformation legislation and mechanisms.

Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies

trócaire responded to major crises, including themassive displacement after post-electionviolence that swept through Kenya in Januaryand the huge suffering after Cyclone nargis inBurma, which killed over 130,000 people in may2008. In the horn and east africa, malnutritionrates soared. trócaire supported food for work,supplementary feeding for livestock andimproving water supply. they also intervenedduring emergencies in Central america andsouth asia. trócaire works with communitiestowards long-term rehabilitation after disasters.

Addressing the HIV and AIDS Crisis

trócaire’s hIV programmes providedprevention, care and treatment services. GlobalGifts were an important source of income forcarers and people on antiretroviral therapy ineast africa, Central america and Cambodia.links with national aIDs bodies and localauthorities improved the quality of trócaire’sresponse. for example, in Cambodia partnersworked with the government on treatment andchild protection, and in mozambique joint home-based care visits by government and partnersimproved the quality of care.

Promoting Gender Equality

trócaire’s Gender Policy was finalised and newgender equality programmes will be developed in2009. Gender-based violence work wasconducted in Kenya, nicaragua, Pakistan,afghanistan and sierra leone. for example, inKenya partners provided a range of services forsurvivors of gender-based violence in thepostelection crisis and ensured that perpetratorsdid not enjoy amnesty. trócaire was involved ina major conference on Un security Councilresolution 1325 (UnsCr) in november andengaged with the Conflict resolution Unit inIreland and in timor regarding an action plan.

Demanding Environmental Justice

trócaire began its two-year advocacy strategy onclimate change to ensure that developingcountries have better access to predictable andsustainable livelihoods and can adapt to theimpact of climate change. Work in this areacontributed to a strong statement made by theminister for the environment in December 2008,in which he spoke for the first time extensivelyon adaptation financing for the world’s poorestcountries.

In addition to its long-term developmentprojects, trócaire is also mandated to inform theIrish public about the root causes of poverty andto mobilise people to bring about global change.trócaire is fulfilling this mandate throughdevelopment education, campaigns and advocacywith Irish and International governments onissues such as peace-building, human rights,development aid and climate change.


Bishop John Kirby, Chairman, and Mr Justin Kilcullen,Director of Trócaire

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TrócaireMaynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 629 3000 (Republic of Ireland)Tel: +44 28 9080 8030 (Northern Ireland)www.trocaire.org

the Irish episcopal Conference established theepiscopal Commission for missions in responseto the apostolic letter of Pope Paul VI,Ecclesiae Sanctae (published 6 august 1966 inline with Ad Gentes 38 of the second VaticanCouncil) to ‘foster evangelisation ad gentes,missionary animation and cooperation in theirvarious forms, and to maintain relations with theCongregation for the evangelisation of Peoplesand with the episcopal Conference, in order toguarantee unity of action’.

Work of the Episcopal Commission for

Missions

• to develop missionary awareness in localdioceses.

• to promote the Pontifical mission societiesin every diocese and safeguard the universaland missionary character of the Pontificalmission societies.

• to ensure a fair distribution of aid to theyoung Churches.

• to see that all initiatives of missionarycooperation are promoted and harmoniouslyintegrated.

• to support mission institutions in theirproposing to young people a missionaryvocation.

• to direct the work of the national missionCouncil on behalf of the episcopalConference.

National Mission Council (NMC)

the national mission Council plans, directs andreviews the main activities of missionarycooperation at the national level. the Councilalso acts as a forum for discussion on mattersrelated to national mission policy.

Pontifical Mission Societies

the Pontifical mission societies is the officialChurch institution to promote mission awarenessand assist the missionary activity of the Church

by prayer, offering of suffering and financialhelp. they seek to assist all the missions of theworld, especially those in greatest need. theirmain objective is the support of evangelisationin the strict sense. In Ireland, the Pontificalmission societies are administered from anational office in Dublin. the Pontifical missionsocieties team is led by national Director, fredward Grimes Cssp. the office is located at64 lower rathmines road, Dublin 6.

Irish Missionary Union

the Irish missionary Union (ImU) was foundedin 1970, incorporating the members of the formermissionary service Centre. the organisation wasfounded to promote cooperation betweenmissionary, mission-sending and mission-aidorganisations, thereby helping them to makebetter and most efficient use of their personneland other resources. the ImU works in closecollaboration with the Bishops in the task ofspreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It acts asliaison between missionary bodies and nationalor international organisations involved inevangelisation and development. Its core workincludes: highlighting issues of injustice in thedeveloping world; assisting returned missionariesto reintegrate into Ireland; highlighting themission month of october as well as promotingmission awareness throughout Ireland. It alsoruns a training programme to form futurereligious leaders from the developing world aswell as offering a three/six-month course ofrenewal for missionaries.


Episcopal Commission for Missions

Irish Missionary Union563 South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8Tel: +353 (0)1 499 9132/492 3326Fax: +353 (0)1 492 3316

Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Chairman of the EpiscopalCommission for Missions, and Fr Eamon Aylward,Secretary of the National Mission Council

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Background

the mission of the Catholic Communicationsoffice (CCo) is to provide, on behalf of the IrishCatholic Bishops’ Conference and its agenciesand commissions, a professionalcommunications service to liaise with laity,media, national and international Churchorganisations, other faiths and the voluntary,public and private sectors, so as to help conveythe Christian message of the Catholic Church.the CCo assists clergy and seminarians withtheir pastoral work in the mass and online media.In 2008 CCo published 130 press releases andopinion articles, as well as organising numerousmedia events and press conferences throughoutthe year. CCo staff are: martin long, BrendaDrumm, Kathy tynan, francis Cousins andmarie Purcell.

Appointments by Pope Benedict XVI

on 22 february the holy father appointedarchbishop Giuseppe leanza as apostolicnuncio to Ireland. also on 22 february mgrnoel treanor was appointed as the new Bishopfor the Diocese of Down and Connor.

Intercom

In 2008 ten issues of Intercom, the pastoral andliturgical resource of the Bishops’ Conference,were published by Veritas. article series throughthe year included the year of Vocation in Ireland,ministering to migrants and the year of st Paul.the June Intercom hosted a Preaching seminar,which explored the homily through a scriptural,liturgical, theological, performative and pastorallens.

Activities in 2008

In september Cardinal Brady launched a newwebsite for the Bishops’ Conference, its agenciesand commissions: www.catholicbishops.ie.media training for Bishops and diocesan

representatives continued in 2008. otherhighlights of 2008 included:• Year of Vocation for Ireland archbishop

Diarmuid martin, archbishop of Dublin,launched the year of Vocation on 13 aprilwhich ran until 3 may 2009.

• Four main Church leaders visit the Holy

Land the leaders of Ireland’s four mainChurches visited the holy land from 29 apriluntil 2 may.

• Eucharistic Congress on 22 June PopeBenedict announced via satellite link to the2008 host city, Quebec, that Dublin has beenchosen to host the 50th eucharistic Congressin 2012. Cardinal Brady, archbishopDiarmuid martin and other Irish supporterswere present to hear the news.

• World Youth Day nearly 1,000 young IrishCatholics supported by 8 Bishops were insydney in July to greet Pope Benedict xVI.

• Croagh Patrick archbishop michael neary,archbishop of tuam, celebrated the annualreek sunday mass from the summit, televisedfor the first time on 25 July.

• Lourdes on 7 september 3,000 pilgrims, thelargest ever pilgrimage from the archdioceseof Dublin, travelled to lourdes. 2008 was theJubilee year, the 150th anniversary of theapparitions of our lady to st Bernadette in1858.

• Synod of Bishops this took place in romebetween 5 and 26 october. the theme was‘the Word of God in the life and mission ofthe Church’. Cardinal Brady and archbishopmartin attended and represented the IrishBishops’ Conference.

• Publications the Bishops published pastoralletters Life is for Living – A Reflection on

Suicide on 10 september and Day for Life on2 october on the theme of mental health. on12 December the Congregation of theDoctrine of the faith published Dignitas

Personae – Instruction on Certain Bioethical

Issues. Bishop Donal murray, Bishop oflimerick, and Dr Phil Boyle, fertilityspecialist at the Galway Clinic, promoted thepublication in video interviews onwww.catholicbishops.ie.


Bishop Joseph Duffy, Chairman of the CommunicationsCommission, and Mr Martin Long, Director of the CatholicCommunications Office

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Catholic Communications OfficeColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3000 • Fax: +353 (0)1 601 6413Email: [email protected]


the Council is the advisory body for a socialresearcher who works from the Columba Centrein maynooth. Its membership is composed oftwo Bishops’ Conference members and five laypeople and it meets four times per year. theresearcher undertakes specific projects requestedby the members and other agencies of theBishops’ Conference. the office also acts as aninformation resource for the agencies andcommissions of the Bishops’ Conference, clergyand religious, media personnel and the generalpublic. research projects are rarely carried out inisolation so we work with others inside andoutside the Bishops’ Conference to chart socialchange in Ireland and how this relates to theChurch in Ireland.

one of the tasks during the year is to generatestatistical information regarding vocations toreligious life and other data on clergy andreligious in Ireland. the results of this annualsurvey are sought most often by members of thepublic and the mass media. While the 2008 dataare not yet to hand, the institutional Church’spersonnel continues to age. there is a stabilisingof the numbers entering the priesthood and theorders and congregations, although this is part ofa longer term trend.

In october 2008 the Council co-hosted aconference entitled Researching in the Church in

Ireland. this conference, in conjunction with theDepartment of sociology, nUI, maynooth,aimed to facilitate a dialogue that is taking placeabout the role that research can play in achanging Church and build confidence andcapacity to participate in good quality researchand evaluation. It was held in renehan hall, stPatrick’s College, maynooth. approximately 40people attended on the day with representativesfrom religious communities, dioceses and

parishes present. one of the key messagesemerging from this conference was the need for anetwork of researchers with an interest inresearch in and about the Church in Ireland.

the office also acts as an information andresearch resource to the members of the Bishops’Conference. In 2008 the Council undertook thefirst digital mapping of Catholic Diocesanboundaries on the island of Ireland. followingten weeks of rigorous and technically complexwork by mr omar sarhan of nUI maynooth, adigital map of Ireland’s Catholic dioceses andparish boundaries for selected dioceses wasproduced. as a resource of the Irish Bishops’Conference, it can be used across projects in thecoming years.

an important part of the work carried out by thesocial researcher is to liaise with other agenciesand commissions of the Bishops’ Conference andprovide them with research support wheneverpossible. During 2008 the office compiled ananalysis of the demography of the Diocese ofKillala; conducted a survey of the readership ofIntercom magazine; provided technical supportto the Diocese of Kildare and leighlin’s ‘reachout’ project; supported the ICPo post-releasesurvey; provided training to aCCorD personnelin data management; and hosted a meeting of theIrish social Policy network. In late 2008 theCouncil was asked to undertake a project on thepossible amalgamation of two Dublin schools.the report for this project will be available fromwww.catholicbishops.ie.

Council for Research and Development

Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Chairman, and Mr EoinO’Mahony, Social Researcher with the Research andDevelopment Office

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Eoin O’Mahony, Social ResearcherCouncil for Research and DevelopmentColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0)1 505 3024Fax: +353 (0)1 601 6401Email: [email protected]: eoin.omahony

In 2007 the management team in Veritas, with theencouragement of the executive Committee,initiated a process of strategic planning. astrategic plan was developed with a five-yearhorizon. In June 2008 the plan was finalised andpresented to the executive. It provided objectivesand targets towards which the company wouldwork over the next five years. Because of thechanging business climate in 2008, it was decidedto adopt the plan for an initial six-month period,after which its relevance would be reviewed inthe light of trading conditions. the principalobjectives being pursued in the plan are:

• to open up a market for our catecheticalmaterials in the Us, as a way of supporting theproduction of catechetical materials forIreland.

• to increase online sales from our new website,www.veritas.ie.

• to promote Veritas Publications to theagencies of the Conference, to dioceses and toother religious organisations, such as schoolstrusts, as a service provider in the area ofpublishing.

• to establish new ways of retailing ourproducts without incurring the heavyoverheads of a retail establishment, forexample, by negotiating designated retailspace in existing reputable shops, while at thesame time taking such steps as can be taken toachieve at least break even results in ourshops, for example, by adjusting openinghours.

• to position ourselves to take advantage ofdevelopments in the area of online learning.

• It is essential that new sources of business beestablished and exploited in order to sustainthe business and allow income from oneaspect of the business to support any area ofthe business where our presence is necessary

to fulfill our purpose, even if it is not fullyself-financing.

Veritas had a difficult year financially in 2008. Inthe second half of the year all of our retail outletswere adversely affected by the economicdownturn. a full review of costs was initiated.the objective was to reduce costs in a way thatwould not compromise sales and would leave thecompany strong and ready to take advantage ofthe upswing when it comes. a saving of €50,000was achieved and this should enable savings ofapproximately €236,000 in 2009. these savingshave been achieved by staff foregoing bonuses,working shorter hours and achieving greaterefficiency.

In December we moved our Derry premises fromButcher street to shipquay street. When we firstopened our Derry shop it was hoped that theCalgagh Centre, where our shop was located,would become a thriving business and culturecentre. however, this did not materialise and ourshop became isolated. this left us with thedecision either to close the shop and move out ofDerry or to relocate to a better trading position.In mid-December, with the approval of theexecutive, we moved to shipquay street. thenew shop was officially opened by Bishophegarty on 5 february.

Veritas staff attended the annual religiouseducation Congress in anaheim, California, andthe national Conference of Catechetical leadersin houston, texas, where we promoted Veritas asa publisher of religious education resources. Wealso attended the religious Book tradeexhibition in Chicago, where we made contactwith Us publishers whose books we distribute inIreland, and the trade fairs in Birmingham andmilan, where cribs and religious gifts weresourced for our shops.

there were no new Veritas catecheticalpublications in 2008. however, we commencedwork in cooperation with mater Dei on a newonline resource in religious education for seniorsecond-level students.

We published a wide range of general titles,many of which received favourable reviews ingeneral, as well as in the religious media.


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Bishop Joseph Duffy, Chairman of the CommunicationsCommission, and Ms Maura Hyland, Director of VeritasCommunications

Veritas Publications7–8 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1Tel: +353 (0)1 878 8177Fax: +353 (0)1 878 6507Email: [email protected]


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the episcopal Commission for Catecheticsarticulates policy and vision for the catecheticalneeds of Ireland, north and south, on behalf ofthe episcopal Conference. It liaises with theepiscopal Commission for education, otherCommissions of the Bishops’ Conference and avariety of other national and internationalagencies in the area of catechesis and religiouseducation. to further this work, a nationalCatechetical office, headed by the nationalDirector for Catechetics, has been established.

During the calendar year of 2008 the members ofthe episcopal Commission for Catechetics were:most rev. martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway,Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora (Chairman); mostrev. William murphy, Bishop of Kerry; most rev.Denis Brennan, Bishop of ferns. mr. Brendano’reilly continued as the executive secretary ofthe Commission and as the national Director forCatechetics. as an aid to the work of theCommission, an advisory Board of approx. tenpeople attend the meetings of the Commission.

the major projects engaged by the Commissionduring 2008 were as follows:

National Directory for Catechesis a fourthrevised draft of Be Good News was produced andamended at the beginning of 2008. this amendedfourth revised draft was then presented to theseptember 2008 meeting of the episcopalConference. the september meeting of theConference approved this draft of the nationalDirectory for Catechesis, Be Good News, and itwas brought to rome and presented to theCongregation of the Clergy on 16 october 2008.

The New Primary RE Syllabus Work on thefirst draft of the new re syllabus for Primaryschools was completed during 2008. this draftwas written in the light of the four sections of theCatechism of the Catholic Church and the sixfundamental tasks of catechesis as found in theGeneral Directory for Catechesis. In november2008 this pilot draft was sent to Bishops, focus

groups, national bodies and individuals for theirobservations and comments.

Education in Faith Sunday this was celebratedon 27 January 2008 and led into Catholiceducation Week (in the north of Ireland). thejoint celebration finished on temperance sunday.the theme of the week was ‘living faith fully’.the national Catechetical office sent posters toevery parish in the country and provided onlineresources while the CGCe provided resources forschools. fifteen Irish diocesan websites andapprox. fifty other websites mentioned thecelebration. over the course of the two weeks thecatechetics website received 49,224 hits. It wasdecided during the year that the celebration ofeducation in faith sunday should bediscontinued and replaced by a celebration ofCatholic schools Week countrywide.

The Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults

During 2008 the episcopal Conference decidedto proceed with efforts to adopt the United States

Catholic Catechism for Adults (UsCCa) for usein Ireland. Cardinal Brady wrote to CardinalGeorge requesting permission for such anadaptation and approval was subsequently givenby the north american Conference. Under theguidance of the Catechetics Commission,preliminary work began on the adaptation andpractical help and advice was forthcoming fromthe office of the Catechism in north america.

In addition to the above major projects, thenational Catechetical office was active in thefollowing areas:

Guidelines In conjunction with the liturgyCommission, work continued on drawing up‘Draft Guidelines’ for the celebration of firstCommunion. Preliminary work began on a set ofguidelines, which would be of use to interviewboards when appointing teachers to Catholicschools. Work also continued on the guidelinesfor school retreats.

Conferences the national Director attended andaddressed conferences in Durban (south africa),los angeles, houston and rome. Work on thenational re Congress ’09 was begun in 2008.

the national Director in-serviced teachers, visited/contacted all the Colleges of education to updatethe data on teacher qualifications in re andworked in mater Dei and st Patrick’s, maynooth.

Bishop Martin Drennan, Chairman, and Mr BrendanO’Reilly, Executive Secretary

Episcopal Commission for Catechetics

National Catechetical Office, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3000Email: [email protected]


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the episcopal Commission for educationarticulates policy and vision for Catholiceducation in Ireland, north and south, on behalfof the episcopal Conference. It has responsibilityfor the forward planning necessary to ensure thebest provision for Catholic education in thecountry. It liaises with other Catholic educationoffices, the Department of education andscience and the Department of education,northern Ireland. the Commission advises theConference on all government legislation asapplied to education. It responds and acts asspokesperson for the Conference on issuesrelated to the work of education. It seeks also todevelop long-term strategies in education for theepiscopal Conference.

the northern Ireland Commission for Catholiceducation (nICCe) has specific responsibilityfor Catholic education in northern Ireland andwas set up as an ad hoc body in relation todevelopments in the jurisdiction.

the national advisory Council on education(naCe) supports the role of the educationCommission and shares responsibility for theforward planning necessary to ensure the bestprovision for Catholic education in the country.

the Chairman of the Commission is Bishop leoo’reilly. the staff of the Commission are mgrJames Cassin, executive secretary, and msBernadette martin, Pa to the executive secretary.

Vision 08 – A Vision for Catholic Education in

Ireland

Bishop leo o’reilly, Chair of the educationCommission of the Irish Catholic Bishops’Conference, launched the Irish Bishops’Conference pastoral letter, Vision 08 – A Vision for

Catholic Education in Ireland, on 12 may 2008.

Catholic Education Service

a Constitution and strategic Plan for an all-Ireland Catholic education service (Ces) was

approved by the Irish Bishops’ Conference in2008. It will support a vibrant Catholiceducation sector in response to changing socialeconomic and political conditions in Ireland.

Northern Ireland

the northern Ireland Commission for Catholiceducation (nICCe) dealt with the followingissues in 2008:• Catholic trustee support Body• academic selection• area-based planning• the Post-Primary review• Work and membership of northern Ireland

Commission for Catholic education (nICCe)• the northern Bishops published a statement

on 25 June to clarify their position on variousissues.

Factors Determining School Choice

the Council for research and Development ofthe Irish Bishops’ Conference published Factors

Determining School Choice in april 2008 – areport on a survey of the attitudes of parents ofchildren attending Catholic primary schools inIreland.

CPSMA

ms eileen flynn was appointed Generalsecretary of the CPsma in succession to mgrDan o’Connor. also appointed to CPsma were:ms margaret Gorman, assistant Generalsecretary, and ms linda Gorman, officemanager.

CEIST

In June 2008 Catholic education – an Irishschools trust (CeIst ltd.) and eDUCena ltdwere accorded public juridic status by the Irishepiscopal Conference.

Community Primary Schools

two Community primary schools (scoilGhráinne and scoil Choilm) run by the stateopened in Ireland in september 2008. theDepartment of education and science proposedthat the schools would be multi-denominationalschools.

the minister for education and science hosted aconference entitled ‘Governance Challenge forfuture Primary school needs’ in June 2008.

Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Chairman, and Mgr James Cassin,Executive Secretary of the Commission for Education

Episcopal Commission for Education

Mgr James Cassin, Executive Secretary Episcopal Commission for Education Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0)1 505 3014 Email: [email protected]


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Archbishop Michael Neary, Chairman, and Bishop DonalMurray, Secretary

Bishop Anthony Farquhar, Chairman of the EpiscopalCommission for Ecumenism, and Fr Brendan Leahy,Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Ecumenism

the episcopal Commission for ecumenism and itsadvisory Committee advises the Bishops’Conference on ecumenical affairs in Ireland andmaintains contact with the secretariat for PromotingChristian Unity in rome. the committee has amembership of approximately 35, including theepiscopal members, a priest representative from eachdiocese and people chosen for their competence andexperience in the ecumenical field.

the episcopal Commission for Doctrine andtheology works in close association with theBishops’ Conference on matters relating to faith andmorals.

Episcopal Commission for Doctrine

Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3000 Email: [email protected]

Episcopal Commission for Ecumenism

Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Ecumenism:Rev. Prof. Tom NorrisSt Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 628 5222 Advisory Committee on Ecumenism:Secretary: Fr Brendan Leahy, Focolare Centre,Prosperous, Co. KildareEmail: [email protected]

In 2001 the Irish episcopal Conference receivedpermission from the holy see to proceed withthe restoration of the Permanent Diaconate inIreland. In 2005 approval was received for thedocument, The Permanent Diaconate: National

Directory and Norms for Ireland, and thisdocument was subsequently published by theIrish Bishops. this document will guide theintroduction of Permanent Diaconate in Irelandand give some understanding of this ecclesialministry. In December 2006 the Bishops issued aleaflet Among You As One Who Serves – A Short

Guide to the Permanent Diaconate. this leafletwas re-issued in 2009 in order to supportcatechetical efforts in dioceses.

Vatican II mandated the introduction of thePermanent Diaconate throughout the Church andpermanent deacons are present in many countriessince the early 1970s. the deacon is understoodto have three aspects to his ministry: service ofthe word; service at the altar; and service ofcharity. In practical terms, deacons often serve inspecific ministries to the poor andunderprivileged as well as exercising liturgicalroles such as preaching, administering somesacraments and working in the pastoral life of theChurch.

the introduction of the Permanent Diaconate isa new departure for the Catholic Church inIreland. It provides new and fresh opportunitiesfor service in the name of the Church. however,the place of the deacon is intended tocomplement and enhance the roles played by somany others in the faith community – lay andordained. yet since the diaconate forms part ofholy orders, the deacon must in a particularway be an icon of Christ the servant, the onewho washed the feet of his disciples at the lastsupper. the deacon sacramentally represents theservice of Christ.

the national Director of the PermanentDiaconate is mgr Dermot farrell. In June 2008the Irish episcopal Conference appointed frGearóid Dullea as Coordinator of the formationProgramme for the Permanent Diaconate. theBishops have advanced the introduction of thePermanent Diaconate by ensuring that allnecessary steps are taken to ensure that itsintroduction will be of benefit to the IrishChurch. they also appointed a consultativegroup on the formation of permanent deacons.the Commission for Clergy/seminaries/Permanent Diaconate is responsible for dealingwith matters related to the diaconate.

the archdiocese of Dublin and the Diocese ofelphin have jointly run an introductory(propaedeutic) year for prospective candidates intheir dioceses and hope to begin formation inautumn 2009. other dioceses are at variousstages of preparation.

the Coordinator of the formation Programmeliaises with diocesan directors of the PermanentDiaconate throughout the country to assist themin preparing for its introduction in their dioceses.While individual dioceses are responsible foraccepting men for the diaconate, the Coordinatorwill ensure that adequate structures are in placefor dioceses to form their aspirants andcandidates for ordination as deacons. he willconvene national and regional gatherings of thediocesan directors. he also serves as secretary ofthe national training authority for thePermanent Diaconate, which approvesprogrammes of formation for the diaconate.


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Bishop Philip Boyce, Chairman of the Commission forClergy/Seminaries/Permanent Diaconate, and Mgr DermotFarrell, National Director of the Permanent Diaconate

Mgr Dermot FarrellNational Director of the Permanent DiaconateTel: +353 (0)1 825 5342

Rev. Gearóid DulleaCoordinator of the Permanent DiaconateFormation ProgrammeColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3000Email: [email protected]/diaconate

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aCCorD is Ireland’s leading nationwide agencysupporting marriage and relationships through its58 centres and over 800 professionally trainedcounsellors and facilitators. aCCorD is apredominantly lay organisation working incooperation with, and under the direction of, theCatholic hierarchy in Ireland.

our core services are marriage and relationshipCounselling and marriage Preparation. We alsooffer marriage enrichment, fertilitymanagement, marital sexual therapy andschools programmes.

aCCorD (Catholic marriage Care service),formerly known as CmaC, was established inIreland in the early ’60s and expanded to becomea nationwide service. their personnel areselected for their warmth, openness and non-judgemental qualities. also important is theirexperience in their day-to-day living of their ownrelationships and marriage in particular.

aCCorD services are open to all who needthem regardless of denomination, race, creed orability to pay.

In 2008 aCCorD personnel provided over64,500 direct contact hours, an increase of 10%on the previous year. the services were providedas follows:61% marriage and relationship Counselling;33% marriage Preparation;6% through our schools Programme.

this included the provision of marriagepreparation for 10,200 couples, more than 36,000marriage counselling sessions and reached morethan 29,000 children through the expandingschools programme.

ACCORD Initiatives in 2008

Discerning the Spiritual Strengths and Needs

of ACCORD

In the course of the year, the national process ofdiscerning the spiritual strengths and needs ofaCCorD was initiated by the national Director,working closely with the national Chaplain. thelaunch of the initiative at the annual conferencewas followed by the circulation of spiritualityreflectionnaires. By close of year the number ofreflectionnaires returned indicated a very highlevel of response, which will be a great help interms of forward planning in the service of ourmembers.

Marriage Preparation Review Group

a report of this group, which was set up toreview marriage preparation within aCCorD,was presented at assembly in 2008. many of theconclusions and recommendations of this groupare being implemented, including the setting upof a further group to update material in fourmodules. this group hopes to complete its workby the end of 2009.

Continuous Quality Improvement in Service

to the Client

Client Pathway (a process approach to client carefocussing on the tasks and interventions thatmust occur in a timely fashion to offer aneffective and efficient service to the client) waspiloted successfully in four aCCorD centres in2008. a report is before the neC with a view toembedding the Client Pathway audit throughoutthe organisation. this ensures that Central officecontinues to guarantee the highest quality ofnational standards and training for the clients of58 aCCorD centres.

Bishop Willie Walsh, President, and Ms Ruth Barror,National Director, ACCORD

ACCORD Catholic Marriage Care Service

ACCORD Marriage Care ServicesColumba Centre,Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3112Fax: +353 (0)1 60 16410Email: [email protected]



a crisis pregnancy is a pregnancy that is neitherplanned nor desired by the woman and whichpresents a crisis for her. CUra was establishedby the Irish Bishops’ Conference in 1977 as acaring service for all women who are unhappilypregnant. It upholds the right of every child to beborn and to receive from society its consequenthuman rights.

Crisis pregnancy affects women of all ages.research shows that over one quarter (28 percent) of women will experience a crisispregnancy at some stage in her life.

Crisis pregnancy counselling enables thewoman to make informed decisions throughoffering necessary support, information andcounselling.

CUra provides a range of supports and servicesto women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.CUra also provides counselling and supportservices for the baby’s father and other familymembers. CUra provides non-directivecounselling, which means the counsellor will notjudge or make decisions for the client.

Based on our ethos, CUra does not regardabortion as an acceptable option to a crisispregnancy, nor does it find itself able to assist inany arrangements to facilitate abortion.

there are now sixteen CUra centres and twooutreach centres around the country providingthe following services:

• free pregnancy testing • Crisis pregnancy counselling • support • Information on social welfare and other rights

and entitlements • linking clients in with other support services

as required with agencies • Post-abortion counselling

• Crisis Pregnancy counselling to a baby’sfather and other family members

• schools awareness Programme.

all CUra services are free and confidential.services are provided by over 300 volunteers andsupported by the CUra national office team:

• louise Graham, national Coordinator• Christine fitzpatrick, national office

administrator• ann martens, national office secretary• Claire Barry and eithne Kellegher, regional

Coordinators• noreen Keane and Charlotte Keery, national

Pros.

In 2008 CUra provided services to over 5,500clients which included crisis pregnancycounselling and post-abortion counselling.

CURA Annual Conference 2008

the 31st CUra annual Conference, CURA

Crisis Pregnancy Counselling: Engaging with

Challenge, was hosted by the Wexford CUracentre and over 200 delegates attended. Keynotespeakers included most rev. John fleming DD,Bishop of Killala and President of CUra,Katharine Bulbulia, Chairperson of CrisisPregnancy agency, and Gus murray, Director ofthe Counselling and Psychotherapy Programme,Cork Institute of technology.

CURA: Crisis Pregnancy Services

Bishop John Fleming, President, and Ms Louise Graham,National Coordinator of CURA

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CURA National OfficeColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3040/1Email: [email protected] Helpline Number: 1850 622 626

the Irish episcopal Council for emigrants (IeCe),previously known as the Irish episcopalCommission for emigrants, was founded in 1957and is the response of the Irish episcopalConference to the needs of emigrants. the IeCeshows the caring face of the Church and isparticularly committed to the needs of thevulnerable involuntary emigrant. It is a significantvoice on behalf of emigrants – condemninginvoluntary emigration and seeking rights andadequate services for them. Working in conjunctionwith the host Church, the IeCe seeks to respond tothe needs of the Irish as an immigrant community.

today there are no less then 1.2 million Irishpeople living abroad. most Irish families have animmediate relative or close friend who is anemigrant.

In 1957 the IeCe set up the Irish Chaplaincyscheme to provide outreach services for Irishemigrants. today there are chaplaincies in theUsa, europe and australia, caring for thepersonal, social and family needs of Irishemigrants. this pastoral outreach is in accordancewith the recommendations from the 5th WorldCongress on the Pastoral Care of migrants andrefugees in rome (17–22 november, 2003):

• ‘the care of migrants and refugees in the firstyears of the new millennium is an essentialpart of the new evangelisation.’ (Para. 1)

• ‘It should be led by the principle that no one,be they migrants, refugees or members of thelocal population, should be looked upon as a“stranger”, but rather as a “gift”, in parishesand other ecclesial communities. this is anauthentic expression of the “catholicity” of theChurch.’ (Para. 9)

• ‘Pastoral care is, first of all, the responsibility ofthe Church in the receiving country.’ (Para. 10)

• ‘the duty of the Church of origin includes, asfar as possible, accompanying migrants and

refugees, by priests, religious and lay pastoralagents and preferably of their own languageand rites.’ (Para. 11)

In 2004 the Pontifical Council for the PastoralCare of migrants and Itinerant People issued thedocument Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi, whichprovides norms and structures enablingConferences of Bishops to focus on importantspiritual, pastoral and humanitarian aspects ofoutreach to migrants.

as a consequence of the current economicdownturn, increasing numbers of Irish men andwomen are again leaving our shores in the hope ofmaking a new life for themselves and theirfamilies. this new pattern of migration bringswith it many challenges for the IeCe and itsvarious apostolates. While the traditionaldestinations such as Britain and the United statescontinue to receive many of our emigrants, asignificant percentage of this new generation ofemigrants are instead travelling to Canada, newZealand and australia. the challenge for the IeCewill be to maintain the same level of pastoraloutreach to this new wave of Irish emigrants.

During the supporting Irish abroad (sIa)campaigns of 2004, 2005 and 2006, the donationsmade by so many Irish people provided fundingfor various front-line outreach services. the IeCeis particularly concerned for those emigrantswhose journey has been a difficult one and isespecially mindful of the elderly Irish emigrantcommunity, the undocumented Irish in the Unitedstates and Irish prisoners overseas. funding hasbeen primarily focussed on these most vulnerablecategories of Irish emigrants. the Irish apostolateUsa (IaUsa) continues to lobby on behalf ofthe undocumented in the Usa and currently isactively involved with the efforts of the UsBishops’ Conference Justice for Immigrantscampaign, as well as the Interfaith ImmigrationCoalition. there is cautious hope that the obamaadministration and Congress will work oncomprehensive immigration reform in late 2009and early 2010. the generosity of parishionersthroughout Ireland has helped sustain the work ofthe IeCe today, as it continues to highlight theproblems facing generations of Irish emigrants.

Bishop Séamus Hegarty, Chairman, and Brian Hanley,Emigrant Officer for the Irish Episcopal Council forEmigrants

e Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants

Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants (IECE)Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: + 353 (0)1 505 3055/3155Fax: + 353 (0)1 601 6401 www.catholicbishops.ie/migrants


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there are currently over 500,000 non-Irishnationals living on the island of Ireland. Concernfor the reception and treatment of immigrantsand on the related question of pastoral careprompted the formation of the Irish episcopalCouncil for Immigrants in september 2008. Itsmission is to welcome, support and empowerimmigrants who have come to Ireland.

the Council serves as the centre of a network ofdiocesan and parish personnel who minister tovarious ethnic groups and people on the movethroughout the country. It is tasked with increasingpastoral awareness, cultural sensitivity, and thedynamics of outreach, welcome and supportthroughout its network. Inherent in its mission isthe promotion and development of mutual respectand incorporation of the gifts and talents offered bydiverse cultures into our parish lives. to fulfil thismission, the Council aims to develop and fosterinitiatives between the Bishops’ Conference andthe dioceses and parishes in relation to the pastoralcare of immigrants.

Membership

the Council is chaired by most rev. eamonnWalsh, auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, and itsmembers are: fr Brian mclaughlin Cssp, frJaroslaw maszkiewicz, sr Kay mulhall, srlouise o’Connell and mr Brendan schütte.

2008 Priorities and Objectives

the Council’s priority for 2008 was theestablishment of an up-to-date database thatprovides details of personnel working in diocesesthroughout Ireland who are tasked with thepastoral care of immigrants. It also conductedexploratory primary research to establish currentimmigrant pastoral care work undertaken acrossthe dioceses. this research formed the basis of aninnovative pilot immigrant scheme to be launchedat the end of 2009. from this foundation, the core

objectives and mission of the newly formedCouncil were outlined and are listed as follows:

• the provision of english language classes.this is viewed as a key priority as it affectsimmigrants in many areas of their lives, suchas employment prospects and accessing legaland social networks.

• the empowering of immigrant communities tobecome active participants in the life of theparish by encouraging them to contribute toparish liturgies, take on roles of service (e.g.ministers of the Word, ministers of theeucharist, membership of parish pastoralcouncils, altar servers); making availableparish resources where immigrants can meetto share concerns or meet for their owndistinctive events; develop programmes thatwould bring immigrant and host communitiestogether (e.g. World migrant Day).

• the inclusion of migrant chaplaincies inparish communities and fostering cooperationand collaboration between them to providepastoral care and support to immigrants.

• the provision of welcome and informationleaflets on the location of Churches and masstimes.

• the organisation of immigration awarenessand sensitisation programmes in parishes.

• the provision of general information tofacilitate early integration into the civic realm(e.g. how to access healthcare, social services,legal services, etc.).

• Befriending schemes and the accompanying ofimmigrants by lay people, religious and prieststo advocate as interpreters in dealings withstatutory and non-statutory authorities.

• a recognition that to achieve effective pastoralcare services for immigrants, there is a need towork with government and local authorities,as well as ecumenically with other Christiandenominations, people of other faiths and thenon-government organisations sector.

through these objectives and in accordance withthe Pontifical Council’s Instruction, Erga

migrantes caritas Christi (2004), the Councilaims to strengthen and augment the excellentwork currently being carried out in the pastoralcare of immigrants across the island of Ireland.

Bishop Eamonn Walsh, Chairman, and Ms Helen Young,Administrator for the Irish Episcopal Council forImmigrants

e Irish Episcopal Council for Immigrants

Irish Episcopal Council for ImmigrantsColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3009Fax: +353 (0)1 601 6401Email: [email protected]


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the Irish Council for Prisoners overseas (ICPo)was established by the Irish Catholic Bishops’Conference in 1985 in response to seriousconcerns regarding the number of Irish men andwomen in UK prisons.

the ICPo works for all Irish prisoners whereverthey are; it makes no distinction in terms ofreligious faith, the nature of the prison convictionor of a prisoner’s status.

the objectives of the ICPo are to:• Identify and respond to the needs of Irish

prisoners abroad, and their families;• research and provide relevant information to

prisoners on issues such as deportation,repatriation and transfer;

• focus public attention on issues affecting Irishprisoners (ill-treatment, racist abuse, etc.);

• engage in practical work in aid of justice andhuman rights for Irish migrants, refugees andprisoners at an international level.

In December 2008 the ICPo had 420 open casesand over the course of the year dealt with inexcess of 500 different Irish people imprisonedoverseas. the ICPo has approximately 350 clientsin Britain, with significant numbers spreadthroughout mainland europe, the United statesand australia. the ICPo also assists prisoners insouth and Central america, south east asia andafrica. on behalf of the ICPo, Irish missionarieshave undertaken the care and companionship ofIrish prisoners who are particularly isolated andvulnerable.

In addition to the financial burden that familymembers of Irish prisoners overseas face, theyalso experience a lot of additional worry andfrustration due to the language and other culturaldifferences which can compound the bureaucraticchallenges presented by prison, policing andjustice systems overseas.

the ICPo produces a bi-annual newsletter ICPO

News, which is sent to prisoners, their familiesand other interested parties. the ICPo alsooperates a pen friend scheme, which is muchappreciated by those in custody. approximately 85volunteers are currently corresponding withprisoners overseas. ICPo also hosts a family Dayeach year with guest speakers and a chance forfamily members to meet and share theirexperiences with others in similar situations.

the Irish Council for Prisoners overseas is fundedby the Irish episcopal Conference and theDepartment of foreign affairs (Dfa). the Dfaprovides financial support to the ICPo’s hardshipfund. the hardship fund allows ICPo to assistprisoners in situations where they have limitedaccess to proper food and clean water and wherethere are difficulties accessing appropriatemedical and dental treatment.

the ICPo was a significant contributor to theReport on Irish Prisoners Abroad, prepared byformer government minister mr Chris flood in2007. this report provides an accurate synopsis ofthe many difficulties faced by Irish prisoners andtheir families. Considerable progress has beenmade in terms of implementing the report’srecommendations. the ICPo is committed tosecuring their full implementation and willcontinue to work with the Department of foreignaffairs and others to achieve this.

Bishop Séamus Hegarty, Chairman, and Brian Hanley, Coordinator of the ICPO

e Irish Episcopal Council for Prisoners Overseas

ICPOColumba Centre,Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3156Fax: +353 (0)1 6016401Email: [email protected]/prisoners-overseas

ICPO London Office50–752 Camden Street,London,NW1 9XBTel: + 44 (0) 2074824148Fax: + 44(0) 2074824815

The Irish EpiscopalCommission for the Care ofMigrants (IECCM) comprisesthe Irish Episcopal Council forEmigrants (which has the IrishCommission for PrisonersOverseas as a sub-section)and the Irish EpiscopalCouncil for Immigrants andaims to support migrantsarriving to and departing from Ireland. TheChairperson of IECCM is Bishop ChristopherJones, Bishop of Elphin.

Contact: IECCMColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 505 3055 Email: [email protected]


History

the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative (IBDI) wasestablished by the Irish episcopal Conference in1997 to allow the Church to play her part inresponding to alcohol and drug misuse.

Vision

for parishes to make a significant contribution tothe prevention of drugs and alcohol problems,while reaching out with a pastoral approach tothose affected by drug and alcohol misuse.

Aim

the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative aims toenable parishes to use a pastoral response, inpartnership with other service providers, tocontribute to primary and secondary preventionof drug/alcohol problems in parish communities.

Objectives

• to support and mobilise parishes in a strategicapproach to the prevention of drug/alcoholproblems in parish communities.

• to provide training in good practices in drugprevention/group development to the parishcommittee.

• to empower parish core groups with newskills to mobilise and respond to localalcohol/drug issues in collaboration with otherservice providers.

• to provide parishes with the facilities topromote drug/alcohol awareness andprevention.

• to help parish projects promote theimplementation of Walk tall and sPheprogrammes in local schools, along withsubstance use policies.

• to provide training for parishes on creating aresponse to drugs and alcohol.

• to develop partnerships with other serviceproviders.

• to ensure that members of the Irish Bishops’Conference, local clergy and parishes are kept

updated on current, relevant and evidence-based responses in drug prevention at bothdiocesan and national level.

the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative has registeredover 50 parishes that are currently playing theirpart in preventing drug and alcohol problems,whether through accommodating self-helpgroups like aa or with parish schools teachingthe Walk tall programme or sPhe. theseparishes are already strengthening young peoplein their response to drugs or alcohol misuse. thenew IBDI initiative combines the spiritual aswell as the practical, so that responses willaddress the whole person, i.e. body, mind andspirit. following the success of the pilotprogramme, the IBDI has planned to develop theinitiative nationally, beginning with seminars infour dioceses. this will be expanded over thefollowing year to include the training of parishrepresentatives in a further six dioceses.

In addition to this pilot programme in parishes,the IBDI also provides the following services:

• support in creating a parish response to drugand alcohol problems.

• Information and awareness through theprovision of a prevention resource pack(posters and leaflets, etc.)

• a handbook for parishes on facilitating parishresponses to drug and alcohol problems.

• training for communities to deliver aConfirmation ‘healthy life skills’Programme.

• training and educational programmes forparents and young people in partnership withother service providers.

• encouragement to parishes in the developmentof youth facilities as alternatives to alcoholand drug use.

• an educational DVD is also available.

the IBDI is based in maynooth, Co. Kildare.Bishop Éamonn Walsh is the episcopalrepresentative on the IBDI. mr John taaffe isthe national Coordinator of the IBDI and mrDarren Butler is the Development Worker.

Bishop Éamonn Walsh, Chairman, and John Taaffe,National Coordinator of the IBDI

e Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative

Irish Bishops’ Drugs InitiativeColumba Centre, Maynooth, Co.KildareTel: +353 (0)1 5053044 Fax: +353 (0)1 6016401Email: [email protected]/drugs

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Purpose and Objectives

the purpose of the Commission for Pastoralrenewal and adult faith Development, togetherwith its advisory Board, is ‘to support diocesaninitiatives in pastoral renewal and adult faithdevelopment, to highlight evolving needs and topromote creative responses’.1 to fulfil thispurpose, the Commission aims to maintain anddevelop communication between the Irishepiscopal Conference and the dioceses inrelation to key areas of pastoral development –parish life, youth ministry, lay people in theChurch and faith development in family life.

Membership and Staff

the members of the Commission are Bishop Jimmoriarty (Chair), Bishop Bill murphy, Bishopfrank lagan, Bishop Donal mcKeown andBishop seamus freeman.

the advisory Board comprises representatives ofthe dioceses nominated by four provincialregional groups, as well as the national Directorfor Catechetics and representatives of CorI,ImU and the Knights of st Columbanus. theadvisory Board meets three times each year.

the Commission and advisory Board have theservices of a resource person, sr anne Codd pbvm,and administrative secretary, ms Bernie martin.

Significant Activities in 2008

• In spring 2008 the annual regional meetingswere open to all, at both diocesan and parishlevel, with responsibility/interest in parish-oriented adult faith development. Domhnallo’neill presented a wide array of programmesas researched internationally.

• In the consultations that followed, prioritiesfor action were identified as: a web-basedcommunication /networking system;investment in personnel and training at everylevel; appropriate structures for support anddevelopment; and materials and programmes

that are ‘localised’ to the Irish context.• a report was made to the June meetings of the

Department and episcopal Conference.approval was received to engage Domhnallo’neill for a further term, with the specifictask of developing an intranet system fordiocesan directors/coordinators of parish-oriented adult faith development.

• In the autumn term, Domhnall surveyed theneeds and interests of diocesan personnel andis continuing with his task, which is due forlaunch in June 2009.

• the consultation process relating to youthministry progressed during the year and is dueto reach completion early in 2009, with thepublication of a framework document for youthministry in Ireland. this work, which wasundertaken in partnership with the nationalCommittee of Diocesan youth Directors, isfacilitated by fr michael Kelleher Cssr.

• at the annual Convention in may, regionalrepresentatives to the advisory Board hadcompleted their three-year term. followingreview of the tasks of regional representatives,it was proposed that the scope of their role beenhanced. new nominees were appointed forthree years by the episcopal Conference at theJune and september meetings.

• the pastoral conference in september 2008explored dimensions of dialogue andcollaboration in the Church, using the worldcafé process (see www.theworldcafe.com). Inparticular, members of ecclesial movementsand lay associations were invited togetherwith pastoral leaders and workers fromparishes, dioceses, religious congregations andother institutions. the event has provided agood foundation for further work at dioceseand national level.

• the Commission was represented at abicentennial colloquium, Formation for the

Future, at Ushaw College, Durham, UK, at aconference hosted by the Pontifical Councilfor the laity to mark the twentieth anniversaryof the publication of Mulieris dignitatem at theInternational eucharistic Congress in Quebecand at the study assembly of the europeanlaity forum on diversity in europe.

NOTE

1 terms of reference of the Commission.

Bishop Jim Moriarty, Chairman, and Sr Anne Codd,Resource Person with the Commission for PastoralRenewal and Adult Faith Development

Commission for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development

Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co. KildareResource Person: Sr Anne Codd pbvm Tel: +353 (0)1 505 3025 • Email: [email protected] Secretary: Bernie MartinTel: +353 (0)1 505 3027 • Email: [email protected]


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tEpiscopal Commission for Liturgy

thirty-six years ago the Bishops’ Conferenceestablished a national secretariat for liturgy tohelp with the task of liturgical renewal after thesecond Vatican Council, appointing the late mgrseán swayne as secretary. the secretariat, basedat the national Centre for liturgy at st Patrick’sCollege, maynooth, since august 1996,continues that task today, working with theepiscopal Commission for liturgy (Bishop Johnmagee, Bishop fiachra Ó Ceallaigh, Bishop Johnmcareavey, Bishop martin Drennan, Bishopseamus freeman and rev. Patrick Jones,secretary) and coordinating the activities of theirfour agencies:

• Irish Commission for liturgy, which meetswith the episcopal Commission for liturgyfour times a year;

• advisory Committee on sacred art andarchitecture:Chairperson – mr alexander m. Whitesecretary – rev. Patrick Jones;

• advisory Committee on Church music:Chairperson – Dr Gerard Gillensecretary – sr moira Bergin rsm;

• an Coiste Comhairleach um an liotúirge inGaeilge:Cathaoirleach – an mgr Pádraig Ó fiannachtarúnaí – an Canónach seán terry.

the current major project is the provision of anew edition of the Roman Missal, involving thetranslation of the third latin edition (2002) intoIrish and english. the english translation isundertaken by the International Commission onenglish in the liturgy (ICel), an agency of theIrish episcopal Conference and ten otherConferences in the english-speaking world. thereview of its draft translations, issued in twelvesegments, was completed in the past year. theIrish translation, a revision of An Leabhar

Aifreann in the light of the new latin edition, is

being done by the Coiste Comhairleach um anliotúirge i nGaeilge.

the General Instruction of the Roman Missal forthe dioceses of Ireland was published in march2005 and a team from the national Centre forliturgy prepared Celebrating the Mystery of

Faith, a Guide to the Mass to help priests, parishteams, etc.

since many of our churches are a significant partof the architectural and artistic heritage of thecountry, working with new planning and heritageregulations has been part of the ongoing work ofthe advisory Committee on sacred art andarchitecture. this involves consultation with thestatutory bodies and the other Churches. theestablishment of diocesan or inter-diocesanhistoric Churches advisory Committees is anessential element in meeting the new regulations.

from its establishment in 1973, the nationalsecretariat, with these agencies, has engaged inliturgical formation through courses andprogrammes and contact with people involved inliturgy, the rite of Christian Initiation of adults,liturgical music, church building and reorderingand the historic Churches advisory Committeesthroughout the country.

the national Centre for liturgy continues theone-year course in liturgy, begun at mount stanne’s in 1974, where students can receive fromthe Pontifical University of st Patrick’s Collegethe Diploma and higher Diploma in Pastoralliturgy and, in a two-year programme, themasters in theology, specialising in liturgy. thefirst mth liturgy students were conferred in2002. some students have undertaken doctoralstudies in liturgy.

the Centre publishes New Liturgy as a quarterlybulletin and contributes to Intercom. It alsoprovides a website: www.liturgy-ireland.ie.

staff members of the Centre are: rev. PatrickJones, sr moira Bergin rsm and the rev. Prof.liam tracey osm.

Bishop John Magee, Chairman, and Fr Patrick Jones,Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy

National Centre for LiturgySt Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0)1 708 3478Fax: +353 (0)1 708 3477Email: [email protected]

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the Vocations Commission was very activethroughout 2008, not least with the majorinitiative which was the year of Vocation (see p. 18 for highlights). While the Commissionspecifically promotes the vocation to theordained ministry, that call comes from withinthe fundamental vocation of all Christians to befollowers of Jesus Christ and is at the service ofthe whole people of God. thus, the need torespond to our baptismal call was alsoacknowledged and promoted through thecommission. this fundamental call (a call tocommunion with God and each other; a call to alife of service and sacrifice; a call to live lives ofexample to one another), expressed in so manyways, was the kernel of the year of Vocation.

the Vocations Commission members – alongwith members of Vocations Ireland and diocesanvocations directors – seeks to make sure that thepresence and promotion of the priesthoodstrengthened the universal call to holiness and tothe living out of our baptismal consecration.

each year the Vocations Commission has anumber of key projects:

• The Annual Celebration of Vocations

Sunday

the Commission coordinates the provisionand distribution of resources for use atdiocesan and parish level on this day.

• The Annual Conference for Diocesan

Vocation Directors

the 2008 Conference was held in Killarney,Co. Kerry, and the theme was ‘I am the Vine,you are the Branches’ (John 15:5). topicsdiscussed at the conference were the ongoingformation by and for Vocation Directors anddiscernment. Directors also received updatesabout the year of Vocation and the new IrishVocations DVD.

• Collaboration

the Vocations Commission collaborates withthe Vocations services of scotland, englandand Wales, the european Vocations service foreurope and the national VocationsConference of the United states. this isachieved through regular sharing of resourcesand attending conferences throughout the year.these are invaluable.

Priesthood Sunday

In 2008, as part of the year of Vocation initiative,Ireland held its first annual ‘Priesthood sunday’celebration (on 28 september 2008) a special dayset aside to honour and promote priesthood. It isa day to reflect upon and affirm the role of thepriesthood in the life of the Church as a centralone.

other work regularly undertaken by theVocations Commission is: • ongoing development and updating of the

Vocations Commission website:www.vocations.ie;

• the preparation of interviews and articles on‘vocation’ for print and broadcast media;

• responding to and directing inquiries aboutvocation to the appropriate centre;

• Coordinating the release of statistical dataabout vocations, as compiled by the Councilfor research and Development of the Irishepiscopal Conference.

Future Plans

the year for Priests and the catechesis leadingup to the 2012 eucharistic Congress in Dublinwill all provide key opportunities to promotepriesthood in modern Ireland.

Vocations Commission Members

the members of the Vocations Commission areBishop Donal mcKeown (Chairman) and fr Patrick rushe (the national Coordinator forDiocesan Vocation Directors).

Bishop Donal McKeown, Chairman, and Fr Paddy Rushe,National Coordinator for Vocations

Vocations Commission

Episcopal Representative for VocationsBishop Donal McKeown

National Coordinator for Diocesan VocationsFr Patrick J. Rushe CCHoly Redeemer Parochial House,Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk, Co. LouthTel: +353 (0)42 933 4259Fax: +353 (0)42 932 9073www.vocations.iewww.yourvocation.ie



the Bioethics Consultative Group is a forum forthe exploration of current issues in the ethics ofhealthcare and of biomedical research. It seeks todevelop and promote an understanding of theseissues which is consistent with the Gospel, theteaching of the magisterium and the bestavailable scientific knowledge.

History of the Committee

a Committee for Bioethics was established in1996 as a sub-committee of the Joint healthcareCommission. It subsequently became anindependent commission of the episcopalConference, under the umbrella of theDepartment of Catholic education andformation. In 2005 it developed into a BioethicsConsultative Group. the modus operandi of thegroup is to draw on the expertise of a largeinterdisciplinary panel of consultors, drawn fromthe various healthcare professions, the naturalsciences, philosophy and theology.

Episcopal Members of the Committee

most rev. Donal murray, Bishop of limerick(Chairman).

Work of the Bioethics Consultative Group

the Bioethics Consultative Group:• Prepares guidelines for the Irish episcopal

Conference on bioethical issues; • Prepares materials that will communicate the

Church’s teaching on bioethical issues tovarious categories of people – Catholicprofessionals, other Christians, lay Catholicsand the general public;

• suggests areas in the bioethical field or inrelated spheres for research and study by theCatholic Bishops’ Joint Committee onBioethical Issues (Ireland, scotland, englandand Wales);

• Promotes circulation of documents publishedby the Joint Committee on these issues.

a number of documents have been prepared bythe Bioethics Consultative Group for the IrishBishops’ Conference on end of life Care andartificial human reproduction. the group hasalso acted as an advisory body to the episcopalConference on aspects of biomedical research,including pharmaceutical trials and stem cellresearch.

the Bioethics Consultative Group responds torequests from the media via the CatholicCommunications office of the Irish Bishops’Conference.

2008 Highlights

the Joint Bioethics Committee of the episcopalConferences of Ireland, england and Wales andscotland was scheduled to meet in Dublin inoctober 2008. the members of the Bishops’Bioethics Consultative Group took theopportunity to join forces with our colleaguesfrom scotland, england and Wales to organisea one-day conference. the day was facilitated byProf. emmanuel agius (malta), who is a memberof the european Group on ethics, and msKatharina schauer (Germany), a staff member ofComeCe, the Commission of the Bishops’Conferences of the european Community.the principle focus of the day was to explore thecurrent bioethical ‘terrain’ in europe, with a viewto being better prepared to respond to importantissues as they arise in the years ahead.

In December 2008 members of the ConsultativeGroup assisted the Catholic Communicationsoffice in presenting the instruction Dignitas

Personae, published by the Congregation for theDoctrine of the faith.

In the final months of 2008, the members of theConsultative Group, in response to aConsultation Paper published by the law reformCommission, prepared a submission on advanceCare Directives. the submission explores theethical challenges involved in making legalprovision to facilitate those who have an inputinto decision-making about future medicaltreatment, which may be proposed at a timewhen they are no longer competent to makedecisions or to express preferences.

Bishop Donal Murray, Chairman of the Bishops’ BioethicsConsultative Group, and Fr Kevin Doran, Contact Person

Bishops’ Bioethics Consultative Group

Contact personFr Kevin DoranTel: +353 (0)404 45140Email: [email protected] www.healthcare-ethics.ie

Directory of Members of the Irish Bishops’ Conference 41

His Eminence Cardinal Seán BradyArchbishop of ArmaghBorn 16 august 1939; ordained priest22 february 1964; ordained Coadjutorarchbishop 19 february 1995; installedas archbishop of armagh 3 november1996; created Cardinal 24 november2007.

President of the Irish Bishops’Conference, a member of theDepartment of Planning andCommunications and a trustee oftrócaire.

ara Coeli, armagh Bt61 7Qytel: +44 (0)28 37522045fax: +44 (0)28 37526182email: [email protected] Communications officer: mr martin long, Director ofCommunications, CatholicCommunications office tel + 353 (0)86 1727678Parishes: 61

Catholic Population: 215,912Catholic Churches: 147Patrons of the archdiocese: st Patrick,st malachy and st oliver Plunkett Cathedral: st Patrick’s Cathedral,armagh.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese

aCCorDarmagh: 1 tavanagh avenue,Portadown, Co. armagh Bt62 3aJtel: +44 (0)28 3833 4781.Drogheda: ‘Verona’, Cross lane,Drogheda, Co. louthtel: +353 (0)41 984 3860Dundalk: roden Place, Dundalk, Co. louthtel: +353 (0)42 933 1731.

CUraCUra office, 17 Jocelyn street,Dundalk, Co. louthtel: +353 (0)42 933 7533.

PART IIIDIRECTORY OF MEMBERS OF ThE

IRISh CAThOLIC BIShOPS’ CONFERENCE

Archdiocesesthe twenty-six dioceses on the island of Ireland are divided into four archdioceses or provinces:armagh, Dublin, Cashel and tuam.

Archdiocese of Armagh

Most Rev. Gerard Clifford Auxiliary Bishop of ArmaghBorn 24 June 1941; ordained priest 18June 1967; ordained bishop 21 april1991.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, member ofthe Irish Commission for Justice andsocial affairs and refugees, member ofof the advisory Committee onecumenism, member of the standing

Committee on mixed marriages and amember of the national executiveCouncil of CUra. Bishop Clifford isalso a member of CeIst (educationtrust).

annaskeagh, ravensdale, Dundalk, Co. louthtel: +353 (0)42 9371012fax: +353 (0)42 9371013email: [email protected].


Most Rev. Raymond FieldAuxiliary Bishop of Dublin

Born 24 may 1944; ordained priest 17may 1970; ordained titular Bishop ofard mor and auxiliary Bishop ofDublin 21 september 1997.

member of the Bishops’ ConferenceDepartment of social Issues andInternational affairs, Chairman of theIrish Commission for Justice and socialaffairs, President, Pax Christi Ireland,

member of the Catholic healthcareCommission, member of the nationalexecutive of aCCorD and a memberof Commission onhealthcare/Disabilities/Drugs.

3 Castleknock road, Blanchardstown,Dublin 15 tel/fax: 01 8209191email: [email protected].

Most Rev. Éamonn WalshAuxiliary Bishop of Dublin

Born 1 september 1944; ordained priest13 april 1969; appointed auxiliaryBishop of Dublin 22 april 1990;appointed apostolic administrator offerns 6 april 2002.

member of the Department of Planningand Communications, member of theCommission on Communications,Chairman of the Irish episcopalCouncil for Immigrants and Vice-Chairof the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative.

Bishop Walsh is the liaison Bishop onbehalf of the Bishops’ Conference withthe national Prison Chaplain andPrison service and relevant sections ofthe Department of Justice and lawreform.

naomh Brid, Blessington road,tallaght, Dublin 24 tel: 01 4598032fax: 01 4598034email: [email protected].

Most Rev. Diarmuid MartinArchbishop of Dublin

Born 8 april 1945; ordained priest 25may 1969; episcopal ordination 6January 1999; elevated to dignity ofarchbishop and apostolic nunciomarch 2001; appointed Coadjutorarchbishop of Dublin 3 may 2003;succeeded as archbishop of Dublin on26 april 2004.

Vice-President of the Irish Bishops’Conference, Chairman of theDepartment of social Issues andInternational affairs, Chairman of theCommission on europe and a trusteeof trócaire.

archbishop’s house, Drumcondra,Dublin 9 tel: 01 8373732fax: 01 8369796Website: www.dublindiocese.ie

Parishes: 199Catholic Population: 1,087,285Catholic Churches: 238Patrons of the archdiocese: st Kevinand st laurence o’toole Cathedral: st mary’s Pro-Cathedral,Dublin.

Archdiocese of Dublin



aCCorDaCCorD Central office, Columba Centre, maynooth,Co. Kildaretel: 01 505 3112

Balbrigganfirst floor, Dunston house, Balrothery,Co. Dublintel: 01 459 3467/086 0403025email: [email protected]

BallymunUnit 23, Ballymun shopping Centre,Ballymun, Dublin 11tel: 01 8621508email: [email protected]

BlanchardstownaCCorD house, Church avenue,Blanchardstown, Dublin 15tel: 01 8201044email: [email protected]

Braythe old Presbytery, herbert road,Bray, Co. Wicklowtel: 01 2837712email: [email protected]

Clondalkin‘st Kevin’s’, monastery road,Clondalkin, Dublin 22tel: 01 4593467email: [email protected]

Dun laoghaire35 Upper George’s street, Dun laoghaire, Co. Dublintel: 01 2801682email: [email protected]

harcourt street39 harcourt street, Dublin 2tel: 01 4784400email: [email protected]

marino71 Griffith avenue, marino, Dublin 3tel: 01 8338631email: [email protected]

Phibsborough15 Dalymount, Phibsborough, Dublin 7tel: 01 8680028email: [email protected]

swordsseatown road, swords, Co. Dublintel: 01 8404550email: [email protected]

tallaghtUnit e, exchange hall, Belgard squarenorth, tallaght, Dublin 24tel: 01 4590337email: [email protected]

templeogue265 templeogue road, templeogue,Dublin 6Wtel: 01 4908739email: [email protected]

CUraCUra office, 30 south anne street,Dublin 2tel: 01 671 0598

trócairetrócaire, maynooth, Co. Kildaretel: 1850 408 408

trócaire, 12 Cathedral street, Dublin 1tel: 1850 408 408

VeritasVeritas, 7–8 lower abbey street,Dublin 1tel: 01 878 8177

Veritas, Unit 309, BlanchardstownCentre, Dublin 15tel: 01 886 4030


Most Rev. Dermot CliffordArchbishop of Cashel and Emly

Born 25 January 1939; ordained priest22 february 1964; ordained Coadjutorarchbishop 9 march 1986; installedarchbishop of Cashel and emly 12september 1988; appointed apostolicadministrator of the Diocese of Cloyne7 march 2009.

member of the Department of Planningand Communications, Chairman of theCouncil for research andDevelopment, a member of the stPatrick’s College maynoothDevelopment Committee and a trusteeof trócaire.

archbishop’s house, thurles, Co. tipperarytel: 0504 21512fax: 0504 22680email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr nicholas Irwin email: [email protected]: 46Catholic Population: 82,578Catholic Churches: 87Patron of the archdiocese: st ailbe Cathedral: Cathedral of theassumption, thurles.


aCCorDthurles: Cathedral street, thurles, Co. tipperarytel: 0504 22279tipperary town: Community servicesCentre, st michael’s street, tipperarytel: 062 33330.

CUraCUra office, 20a liberty square,thurles, Co. tipperarytel: 0504 26226.

Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly

Most Rev. Michael NearyArchbishop of TuamBorn 15 april 1946; ordained priest 20June 1971; ordained Bishop 13september 1992; installed archbishopof tuam 5 march 1995.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, Chairman ofthe Doctrine Commission, Chairman ofthe Commission for theology, amember of the strategic task Group oneducation, a member of theCommission for emigrants, a trusteeof trócaire and a member of theliaison Committee of the Irish, englishand scottish Bishops.

archbishop’s house, tuam, Co. Galwaytel: 093 24166fax: 093 28070email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr fintan monaghanemail: [email protected] Parishes: 56Catholic Population: 120,324Catholic Churches: 131Patron of the archdiocese: st JarlathCathedral: Cathedral of theassumption, tuam.


aCCorDCastlebar: 34B moneen, Castlebar, Co. mayotel: 094 9022214tuam: 6 st Jarlath’s Place, tuam, Co. Galwaytel: 093 24900.

CUraCUra office, the family Centre,Chapel street, Castlebar, Co. mayotel: 094 9024866.

Archdiocese of Tuam


ACHoNRy

Most Rev. Brendan KellyBorn 20 may 1946; ordained priest 20June 1971; ordained Bishop of achonry27 January 2008.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation and amember of the Commission oneducation.

oifig an easpaig, edmondstown,Ballaghaderreen, Co. roscommontel: 094 9860021fax: 094 9860921email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr Vincent sherlock email: [email protected]: 23Catholic Population: 35,224Catholic Churches: 47Patrons of the Diocese: st nathy and st attractaCathedral: Cathedral of theannunciation and st nathy,Ballaghaderreen, Co. roscommon.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDCharlestown: Pastoral Centre,Charlestown, Co. mayotel: 094 9254944.

ARDAGH ANDCloNMACNoiS

Most Rev. Colm o’ReillyBishop of Ardagh and ClonmacnoisBorn 11 January 1935; ordained priest19 June 1960; ordained Bishop ofardagh and Clonmacnois 10 april1983.

member of the Department of socialIssues and International affairs,Chairman of the Commission for themissions, a member of the Commissionfor the family/Welfare of Children,member of the Irish Commission forJustice and social affairs and amember of the executive of trócaire.

st michael’s, longfordtel: 043 3346432fax: 043 3346833email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr Pat murphyemail: [email protected]: 41Catholic Population: 73,300Catholic Churches: 80Patron of the Diocese: st melCathedral: st mel’s Cathedral,longford.


aCCorDathlone: ‘alverna’, northgate street,athlone, Co. Westmeath tel: 0906 475491 longford: ‘tealloch Iosa’, st mel’s road, longford tel: 043 47222.

CUraCUra office, ‘shalom’, st mary’s Place, athlonetel: 090 6474272.

Dioceses


CloGHER

Most Rev. Joseph DuffyBishop of ClogherBorn 3 february 1934; ordained priest22 June 1958; ordained Bishop ofClogher 2 september 1979.

member of the Department of Planningand Communications, Chairman of theCommission on Communications and amember of the Commissionon europe.

Bishop’s house, monaghantel: 047 81019fax: 047 84773email:[email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer:mgr liam s. macDaid email:[email protected]

Parishes: 37Catholic Population: 86,483Catholic Churches: 86Patron of the Diocese: st macartan Cathedral: st macartan’s Cathedral,monaghan.


aCCorDenniskillen: ros erne house, 8 Darling street, enniskillen Bt74 7eJtel: 028 663 25696 monaghan: st macartan’s College,monaghantel: 047 83359.

CUraCUra office, 8 the Grange, Plantation Walk, monaghantel: 047 83600.

VeritasVeritas, 16–18 Park street, monaghan,tel: 047 84077.

CloNFERT

Most Rev. John KirbyBishop of ClonfertBorn october 1938; ordained priest 23June 1963; ordained Bishop of Clonfert9 april 1988.

member of the Department of socialIssues and International affairs,Chairman of trócaire and a member ofthe Commission for Justice and socialaffairs.

Coorheen, loughrea, Co. Galwaytel: 091 841560fax: 091 841818email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer:fr Cathal Geraghty st Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack street,loughrea, Co. Galwaytel: 091 841212email: [email protected]: 24Catholic Population: 34,800Catholic Churches: 47Patron of the Diocese: st Brendan Cathedral: st Brendan’s Cathedral,loughrea, Co. Galway.


aCCorDBallinasloe: family Centre,Brackenragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galwaytel: 090 9643573.


CoRK AND RoSS

Most Rev. John BuckleyBishop of Cork and RossBorn 1 november 1939; ordained priest1965; ordained titular Bishop of leptismagna on 29 april 1984; installed asBishop of Cork and ross on 6 february1998.

member of the Department of PastoralCare, Chairman of the Commission onhealthcare/Disabilities/Drugs andmember of the strategic task Group oneducation.

Cork and ross offices, redemption road, Corktel: 021 4301717fax: 021 4301557email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr tom Deenihanemail: [email protected]: 68Catholic Population: 215,500Catholic Churches: 124Patron of the Diocese of Cork: st finbarrPatron of the Diocese of ross: st fachtna Cathedral: Cathedral of st mary and st anne, Cork.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDBantry: 5 main st, Bantry, Co. Corktel: 027 50272.

CUraCUra office, 34 Paul street, Corktel: 021 4277544.

trócairetrócaire, 9 Cook street, Corktel: 1850 408 408.

CloyNE

Most Rev. John MageeBishop of CloyneBorn 24 september 1936; ordainedpriest 17 march 1962; ordained Bishopof Cloyne 17 march 1987.

Most Rev. Dermot CliffordArchbishop of Cashel and Emly

Cloyne Diocesan Centre, Cobh, Co. Corktel: 021 4811430fax: 021 4811026email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr James Killeen email: [email protected] Parishes: 46Catholic Population: 164,344Catholic Churches: 107Patron of the Diocese: st ColmanCathedral: st Colman’s Cathedral,Cobh, Co. Cork.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDCloyne: monument hill, fermoy, Co. Corktel: 025 31899.


DoWN AND CoNNoRMost Rev. Noel TreanorBishop of Down and ConnorBorn 25 December 1950; ordainedpriest 13 June1976; ordained Bishop ofDown and Connor 29 June 2008.

lisbreen, 73 somerton road, Belfast,Co. antrim Bt15 4De tel: 028 90776185fax: 028 90779377email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr John mc manusemail: [email protected]

Parishes: 88Catholic Population: 317,622Catholic Churches: 151Patrons of the Diocese: st malachy andst macnissiCathedral: st Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Most Rev. Francis laganAuxiliary Bishop of Derry Born 31 october 1934; ordained priest19 June 1960; ordained Bishop 20march 1988.

member of the IBC’s Department ofPastoral renewal and faithDevelopment, member of the IBC’sCommission for Pastoral renewal andChairman of the sub-group on thelaity, member of the CUra executive.

9 Glen road, strabane, Co. tyrone Bt82 8Bxtel: 028 71884533fax: 028 71884551email: [email protected].

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDDerry: Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 164Bishop street, Derry Bt48 6UJtel: 028 713 62475email: [email protected] Centre: mount st ColumbaPastoral Centre, 48 Brook street,omagh, Co. tyrone Bt78 5hDtel: 028 8224 2439 maghera Centre: Pastoral Centre, 159a Glen road, maghera, Co. Derry Bt46 5Jntel: 028 79642983email: [email protected] Centre: Pastoral Centre,Church road, Carndonagh, Co.Donegaltel: 074 937 4103.

DERRy

Most Rev. Séamus HegartyBishop of DerryBorn 26 January 1940; ordained priest19 June 1966; ordained Bishop ofraphoe 28 march 1982; appointedBishop of Derry 1 october 1994;installed 6 november 1994.

member of the Department of PastoralCare, Chairman of the Bishops’ Councilfor emigrants and the IrishCommission for Prisoners overseas,member of the Irish languageCommission, the Commission oneurope and a member of the financeand General Purposes Committee.

Po Box 227, Bishop’s house, st eugene’s Cathedral, Derry Bt48 9yGtel: 028 71262302fax: 028 71371960email: [email protected] Communications officer: fr michael Cannyemail: [email protected]

Parishes: 51Catholic Population: 240,977Catholic Churches: 104Patrons of the Diocese: st eugene andst ColumbaCathedral: st eugene’s Cathedral,Derry.


DRoMoRE

Most Rev. John Mc AreaveyBishop of DromoreBorn 2 february 1949; ordained priest10 June 1973; ordained Bishop ofDromore 19 september 1999.

member of the Bishops’ Commission onPastoral liturgy and episcopalrepresentative on ICel (InternationalCommission for english in the liturgy).

Bishop’s house, 44 armagh road,newry, Co. Down Bt35 6Pntel: 028 30262444fax: 028 30260496email: [email protected]

Parishes: 23Catholic Population: 63,200Catholic Churches: 48Patrons of the Diocese: st Patrick and st ColmanCathedral: st Patrick and st Colman’sCathedral, newry, Co. Down.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDnewry: Cana suite, newry Parish Centre, 39 the mall,newry Bt34 1antel: 028 30263577email: [email protected].

Most Rev. Anthony FarquharAuxiliary Bishop of Down and ConnorBorn 6 september 1940; ordained priest13 march 1965; ordained Bishop 15may 1983.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, Chairman ofthe Commission on ecumenism, Co-Chairman of the standing Committeeon mixed marriages, Co-Chairman of

World alliance of reformed Churches/roman Catholic Dialogue, member ofInternational anglican/roman CatholicCommission for Unity and missionsand a member of Irish Inter-ChurchCommittee.

73 somerton road, Belfast Bt15 4Detel: 028 90776185fax: 028 90779377email: [email protected].

Most Rev. Donal Mc KeownAuxiliary Bishop of Down and ConnorBorn 12 april 1950; ordained priest 3 July1977; ordained Bishop 29 april 2001.

member of the Department of Worship,Pastoral renewal and faithDevelopment, member of theCommission for Pastoral renewal andadult faith Development and Chairmanof the sub-group on youth, Chairman ofthe Commission on Vocations,Chairman of the national Committee ofDiocesan youth Directors, member ofthe Commission on education,Chairman of the northern IrelandCommission for Catholic education andChairman of the national trainingauthority for the Permanent Diaconate.

73 somerton road, Belfast, Bt15 4Detel: 028 90776185fax: 028 90779377email: [email protected].


aCCorDnI regional office: ‘Cana house’, 56 lisburn road, Belfast Bt9 6aftel: 028 9023 3002Belfast: Curran house, twin spires,northumberland street, Belfast Bt13 2Jftel: 028 9033 9944Downpatrick: 32 english street,Downpatrick Bt30 6aBtel: 028 446 13435email: [email protected]: ‘Kenbaan’, 13Broughshane road, Ballymena, Co. antrim Bt43 7Dxtel: 028 256 44072

trócairetrócaire, 50 King street, Belfast Bt1 6aD.


FERNS

Most Rev. Denis Brennan Bishop of FernsBorn 20 June 1945; ordained priest 31may 1970; appointed Bishop of ferns 1march 2006; consecrated 23 april2006.

member of the Department of PastoralCare and the Department of Catholiceducation and formation.

Bishop’s house, summerhill, Wexfordtel: 053 9122177fax 053 9123436email: [email protected] www.ferns.ie

Diocesan Communications officer: fr John Carrollemail: [email protected] Parishes: 49Catholic Population: 100,622Catholic Churches: 101Patron of the Diocese: st aidanCathedral: st aidan’s Cathedral,enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDWexford: st Brigid’s Centre, 12 roches road, Wexfordtel: 053 9123086.

CUraCUra office, st Brigid’s Centre,roches road, Wexfordtel: 053 9122255.

ElpHiN

Most Rev. Christopher JonesBishop of ElphinBorn 3 march 1936; ordained priest 3June 1962; ordained Bishop of elphin15 august 1994.

Chairman of the Department of PastoralCare, Chairman of the Commission forfamily/Welfare of Children and amember of the Commission for Justiceand social affairs.

st mary’s, sligotel: 071 9162670fax: 071 9162414email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: mr Justice harkinemail: [email protected]

Parishes: 38Catholic Population: 68,000Catholic Churches: 90Patrons of the Diocese: st asicus andImmaculate ConceptionCathedral: Cathedral of the ImmaculateConception, sligo.


aCCorDroscommon: st Coman’s Club, abbey streettel: 0906 626619 sligo: 1st floor, social services Centre,Charles st, sligotel: 071 9145641.

VeritasVeritas, adelaide street, sligotel: 071 9161800.


GAlWAy, KilMACDuAGHAND KilFENoRA

Most Rev. Martin Drennan Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduaghand Apostolic Administrator ofKilfenora Born 2 January 1944; ordained priest16 June 1968; ordained titular Bishopof acque regie and auxiliary Bishopof Dublin on 21 september 1997;appointed Bishop of Galway 23 may2005; installed 3 July 2005.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, Chairman ofthe Commission on Catechetics and amember of the Commission onreligious.

mount saint mary’s, taylor’s hill,Galwaytel: 091 563566fax: 091 528536email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr sean mchughemail: [email protected]: 38Catholic Population: 105,406Catholic Churches: 72Patrons of the Diocese: Galway: our lady assumed intoheaven and st nicholasKilmacduagh: st ColmanKilfenora: st fachananCathedral: Cathedral of our ladyassumed into heaven and st nicholas,Galway.

Services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDGalway: Pastoral Centre, Áras de Brún,newtownsmith, Galway tel: 091 562331.

CUraCUra office, Áras de Brún,newtownsmith, Galway tel: 091 562558.

KERRy

Most Rev. William MurphyBishop of KerryBorn 6 June 1936; ordained priest 18June 1961; ordained Bishop 10september 1995.

member of the Department of Pastoralrenewal and faith Development,member of the Commission for Pastoralrenewal, Chairman of sub-group onfaith Development and family lifeand a member of the Commission onCatechetics.

Bishop’s house, Killarney, Co. Kerrytel: 064 31168fax: 064 31364email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: ms mary faganemail: [email protected] Parishes: 54Catholic Population: 128,850Catholic Churches: 105Patron of the Diocese: st BrendanCathedral: st mary’s Cathedral, Kerry.

services and agencies of the Bishops’Conference based in the diocese aCCorDKillarney: Pastoral Centre, rock road,Killarney, Co. Kerrytel: 064 32644.tralee: st John’s Parish Centre, Castle street, tralee, Co. Kerrytel: 066 7120194.

CUraCUra office, st John’s Centre, Castle street, tralee, Co. Kerry tel: 066 7127355.


KillAlA

Most Rev. John Fleming Bishop of KillalaBorn 16 february 1948; ordained priest18 June 1972; appointed Bishop ofKillala on 19 february 2002; ordainedBishop of Killala 7 april 2002.

member of the Department of PastoralCare, President of CUra, Chairman ofthe finance and General PurposesCommittee and the Bishops’Conference delegate for Day for life.

Bishop’s house, Ballina, Co. mayotel: 096 21518fax: 096 70344email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officers:rev. muredach tuffy, rev. Gerard o’horathe newman Institute, Cathedral Close, Ballina, Co. mayotel: 096 72066.

Parishes: 22Catholic Population: 37,628Catholic Churches: 48Patron of the Diocese: st muredachCathedral: st muredach’s Cathedral,Ballina, Co. mayo.


aCCorDBallina: Pastoral Centre, CathedralGrounds, Ballina, Co. mayo tel: 096 21478.

CUraCUra office, social services Centre,Charles street, sligotel: 071 9143659.

KilDARE AND lEiGHliN

Most Rev. James MoriartyBishop of Kildare and leighlinBorn 1936; ordained priest 1961;ordained auxiliary Bishop of Dublin 22september 1991; appointed Bishop ofKildare and leighlin 4 June 2002;installed 31 august 2002.

Chairman of the Department ofWorship, Pastoral renewal and faithDevelopment, Chairman of theCommission for Pastoral renewal andadult faith Development andChairman of the sub-group on renewalof Parish life.

Bishop’s house, Carlowtel: 059 9176725fax: 059 9176850email: [email protected] www.kandle.ie

Diocesan Communications officer: fr mícheál murphyemail: [email protected]: 56Catholic Population: 237,750Catholic Churches: 117Patrons of the Diocese: st Brigid, st Conleth and st lazerianCathedral: Cathedral of theassumption, Carlow.


aCCorDCarlow: the Presbytery, Dublin road,Carlowtel: 059 913 1227 Portlaoise: Parish Centre, st Peter’s andPaul’s Church, Portlaoise, Co. laoistel: 057 8661581newbridge: Parish Centre, station road, newbridge, Co. Kildaretel: 045 431695.


KilMoRE

Most Rev. leo o’ReillyBishop of KilmoreBorn 10 april 1944; ordained priest 15June 1969; ordained Bishop 2 february1997; installed as Bishop of Kilmore 15november 1998.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, Chairman ofthe education Commission and Co-chair of the strategic task Group oneducation of the Bishops’ Conferenceand CorI.

Bishop’s house, Cullies, Co. Cavantel: 049 4331496fax: 049 4361796email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr francis Duffyemail:[email protected]

Parishes: 36Catholic Population: 57,124Catholic Churches: 95Patron of the Diocese: st felimCathedral: Cathedral of st Patrick andst felim, Cavan.


aCCorDCavan: Diocesan Pastoral Centre,Cullies, Cavantel: 049 4375004.

KillAloE

Most Rev. William Walsh Bishop of KillaloeBorn 16 January 1935; ordained priest21 february 1959; ordained Bishop 2october 1994.

member of the Department of PastoralCare, President of aCCorD and amember of the education Commission.

Westbourne, ennis, Co. Claretel: 065 6828638fax: 065 6842538email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: frBrendan Quinlivanemail: [email protected]

Parishes: 58Catholic Population: 122,746Catholic Churches: 133Patron of the Diocese: st flannanCathedral: Cathedral of ss Peter andPaul, ennis, Co. Clare


aCCorDnenagh: aCCorD Centre, loreto house, Kenyon street, nenagh,Co. tipperarytel: 067 31272.

ennis: aCCorD Centre, c/o Clarecare,harmony row, ennis, Co. Claretel: 1850 585 000.

VeritasVeritas, 83 o’Connell street, ennis, Co. Claretel: 065 6838696.


MEATH

Most Rev. Michael Smith Bishop of MeathBorn 6 June 1940; ordained priest1963; ordained Bishop 29 January1984; Coadjutor Bishop of meath 10october 1988; succeeded 16 may 1990.

member of the Department of Planningand Communications, member of thefinance and General PurposesCommittee and st Patrick’s Collegemaynooth Development Committee.

Bishop’s house, Dublin road,mullingar, Co. Westmeathtel: 044 9348841/9342038fax: 044 9343020email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr Paul Crosbie email: [email protected]

Parishes: 69Catholic Population: 223,200Catholic Churches: 149Patron of the Diocese: st finianCathedral: Cathedral of Christ the King,mullingar, Co. Westmeath.


aCCorDmullingar: social services Centre,Bishopsgate street, mullingar, Co. Westmeathtel: 044 934 8707navan: st anne’s Community resourceCentre, railway street, navan, Co. meathtel: 046 902 3146tullamore: tullamore Parish Centre,Benburb street, Co. offalytel: 057 934 1831Drogheda: ‘Verona’, Cross lane,Drogheda, Co. louthtel: 041 9843860.

liMERiCK

Most Rev. Donal MurrayBishop of limerickBorn 29 may 1940; ordained priest 22may 1966; appointed auxiliary Bishopof Dublin 4 march 1982; ordainedBishop 18 april 1982; appointedBishop of limerick 10 february 1996.

Chairman of the IBC’s Department ofCatholic education and formation,Chairman of the IBC’s Commission onBioethics, member of the IBC’sDoctrine Commission, a member of theIBC’s Commission on europe, amember of the IBC’s Commission forfaith and Culture, member of the ChildProtection liaison Committee, thestrategic task Group on education, anda trustee of trócaire.

Diocesan office, social service Centre,henry street, limericktel: 061 315856fax: 061 310186email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer:awaiting appointmentParishes: 60Catholic Population: 184,000Catholic Churches: 94Patrons of the Diocese: st munchin andst ItaCathedral; st John’s Cathedral,limerick.


aCCorDlimerick City: st munchin’s College,Corbally, limericktel: 061 343 0000West limerick Centre: Parish Centre,newcastle West, Co. limericktel: 069 61000.

CUraCUra office, social services Centre,henry street, limericktel: 061 318207.


RApHoE

Most Rev. philip Boyce oCD Bishop of RaphoeBorn 25 January 1940; ordained priest17 april 1966; ordained Bishop 1october 1995.

member of the Department of Catholiceducation and formation, Chairman ofthe Commission for Clergy/seminariesand Permanent Diaconate, Chairman ofthe Commission for religious andmember of the Doctrine Commission.

ard adhamhnáin, letterkenny, Co. Donegaltel: 074 9121208fax: 074 9124872email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr Patrick Dunneemail: [email protected]

Parishes: 33Catholic Population: 79,720Catholic Churches: 71Patron of the Diocese: st eunanCathedral: st eunan’s Cathedral,letterkenny.


aCCorDDonegal town: aCCorD marriageCare, main street, Donegaltel: 074 972 3944.

letterkenny: Diocesan Pastoral Centre,monastery avenue, letterkenny,Co. Donegaltel: 074 912 2218.

CUraCUra office, Diocesan PastoralCentre, letterkenny, Co. Donegaltel: 074 912 3037.

VeritasVeritas, 13 lower main street,letterkenny, Co. Donegaltel: 074 912 4814.

oSSoRy

Most Rev. Séamus Freeman SCABishop of ossoryBorn 23 february 1944; ordained priest12 June 1971; ordained Bishop ofossory 25 november 2007.

member of the Department of Worship,Pastoral renewal and faithDevelopment.

sion house, Kilkennytel: 056 7762448fax: 056 7763753email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr Dan Carrollemail: [email protected]

Parishes: 42Catholic Population: 78,273Catholic Churches: 89Patron of the Diocese: st KieranCathedral: st mary’s Cathedral,Kilkenny.


aCCorDKilkenny: st mary’s Centre, James street, Kilkennytel: 056 772 2674email: [email protected].

CUraCUra office, st mary’s Centre, James street, Kilkennytel: 056 7722739fax: 056 7770240.


WATERFoRD AND liSMoRE

Most Rev. William lee Bishop of Waterford and lismoreBorn 2 December 1941; ordained priest19 June 1966; ordained Bishop 25 July1993.

episcopal secretary of the IrishBishops’ Conference, member of theDepartment of Planning andCommunications and episcopalConference representative on the boardof st luke’s Centre, manchester.

Bishop’s house, John’s hill, Waterfordtel: 051 874463fax: 051 852703email: [email protected]

Diocesan Communications officer: fr liam Poweremail: [email protected]

Parishes: 45Catholic Population: 146,206Catholic Churches: 85Patrons of the Diocese: st otteran, stCarthage and st DeclanCathedral: Cathedral of the most holytrinity, Waterford.


aCCorDClonmel: st mary’s Pastoral Centre,Irishtown, Clonmel, Co. tipperarytel: 052 24144.

Waterford: st John’s Pastoral Centre,John’s hill, Waterfordtel: 051 878333.

CUraCUra office, st John’s PastoralCentre, John’s hill, Waterfordtel: 051 876452.

Statistics and Appendix 57

the Catholic Church in Ireland is part of theUniversal Church and is organised as a singleecclesiastical unit across the island.

In 2007 there were estimated to be 5,857,280people living on the island, of whom 4,392,571were baptised Catholics. this represents 75% ofthe population of the island, north and south. thiswas composed of 3.64 million Catholics in therepublic (constituting 87% of the total population)and about 680,000 Catholics in the north(constituting 40% of that population). theremaining 25% of the island’s population wascomposed of a variety of other Christian faiths, aswell as smaller proportions of non-Christian faiths.In this summary, we examine a profile of thepopulation of Ireland and an overview of religiouspersonnel of the Church in Ireland.

as can be seen from table 1, the population of theisland was largely composed of self-declaredCatholics. In the six years since the last northernIreland Census in 2001, the overall populationfigure has undoubtedly increased, although itremains to be seen what proportion of this figurewill be Catholic in the 2011 Census.

Ireland has a number of other Christian and non-Christian faiths, most notably a significantproportion of those from the Church of Ireland andPresbyterian traditions. If we exclude those peoplewho have stated ‘no religion’ or where there is ‘noreligion stated’, the proportions are slightlydifferent, as indicated in graph 1.

Ireland’s population is now considerably morediverse than it was twenty years ago and this isseen amongst the nationalities now resident here.Graph 1 shows the Catholic population of therepublic broken down by nationality for 2006 (nosimilar data for northern Ireland is available). Inall, about 51% (or 213,412 people) of those whosenationality is not Irish are Catholic. about 12% ofnon-Irish nationals in Ireland are from otherChristian faiths.

as can be seen, 27% of non-Irish Catholics arefrom the UK, with a further 39% from theremaining twenty-three countries of the eU.smaller percentages of Catholic people withnationalities other than these are nationals of thecountries of asia, the americas and africa.

We can also see a distinct difference between theIrish national and non-Irish national populations ofthe republic in terms of their religious composition.seventy-four per cent of people in Church of Ireland

tradition are Irish nationals and the remaining 26%are non-Irish nationals. this compares with 31% ofpeople in the muslim tradition being Irish nationals,with 69% being non-Irish nationals. these data aresummarised in Graph 2.

there is a greater proportion of non-Irish nationalmuslims than Church of Ireland non-Irishnationals.

according to annual diocesan returns for 2007,there are 4,392,571 Catholics in the twenty-sixdioceses of Ireland. the uneven distribution ofpeople on the island of Ireland is mirrored in thesedata with 1,159,000 (or 26.4% of the total)Catholics living in the archdiocese of Dublin. thenext six most populous dioceses make up 33% ofthe total (or 1,469,219 Catholics) – Down andConnor, meath, Derry, Cork and ross, armaghand Kildare and leighlin. the next eight mostpopulous make up almost 24% of the total and theremaining eleven dioceses make up 16.6% of thetotal population of Ireland. these data arerepresented in the alphabetical table below.

Diocese Baptised catholic Population 2007

Dublin 1,159,000

Down and Connor 326,499

Meath 241,000

Derry 237,747

Cork and Ross 230,000

Armagh 225,473

Kildare and Leighlin 208,500

Limerick 169,000

Cloyne 150,923

Waterford and Lismore 141,209

Kerry 131,000

Tuam 121,200

Killaloe 114,525

Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora 105,707

Ferns 101,244

Clogher 86,483

Dromore 86,000

Ossory 84,133

Raphoe 81,250

Cashel and Emly 80,219

Ardagh and Clonmacnois 76,920

Elphin 69,500

Kilmore 57,024

Killala 38,715

Clonfert 34,800

Achonry 34,500

PART IVSTATISTICS AND APPENDIx

Statistics


the Council for research and Development alsocompiles an annual report of the ordained andprofessed personnel of the Church in Ireland.this report outlines the trends in the numbers ofdiocesan priests, sisters, brothers and those inclerical religious orders. reflecting the changingprofile of the Church in Ireland, these reportshave charted a fall in the number of thoseordained and professed. from Graphs 4 and 5 wesee a selection of data from the period 2001 to2006.

over this time, we note the decrease in therecorded numbers of religious sisters inparticular. In 2001 there were 10,059 sisters inIreland, and by 2006 this had declined to 8,873women (see table 2). this is an 11.8% decreasein their numbers over the six years. table 2shows the trends in percentage composition andchange in religious and ordained personnel from2001 to 2006.

the numbers of vocations to the professed andordained life is also recorded on an annual basis.In table 2 we can note the trends in the numbers

choosing the religious life for the period 2001 to2006. Graph 5 shows the numbers of thoseaccepted to study for the religious life in theperiod under review.

the data for diocesan priesthood has seenconsiderable variance over time and this periodis no exception. In 2001 thirty-two men wereaccepted by the dioceses to study for thediocesan priesthood. this dipped to nineteen in2003, but three years later had again risen tothirty men. the data for the other categories ofpeople shows a steadying downward trend withjust four men having been accepted by Brothers’orders over this time.

the data for 2007 will be available in next year’sannual report.

further data and information on religiouspersonnel, trends on religious practice andCensus data is available from the Council forresearch and Development: 01 5053024 [email protected].

TaBle 1

roi - 2006 Percentage of total ni - 2001 Percentage of total

Total Residents 4,172,013 100.0 1,685,267 100.0

Catholic 3,644,965 87.4 678,462 40.3

Church of Ireland 118,948 2.9 257,788 15.3

Other Christian Religions 28,028 0.7 102,221 6.1

Presbyterian 21,496 0.5 348,742 20.7

Muslim (Islamic) 31,779 0.8 -- --

Orthodox 19,994 0.5 -- --

Methodist 10,768 0.3 59,173 3.5

Other Stated Religions 54,033 1.3 5,028 0.3

No Religion or None Stated 242,002 5.8 233,853 13.9


GraPh 1

TaBle 2: Percentage composition of religious and ordained personnel 2001–2006

ireland’s population classified by religion excluding those with

‘no religion’ or ‘none stated’

GraPh 2

sisters Brothers clerical religious orders Diocesan Priests Total

Brothers Priests

2001 56.2 4.5 2.0 18.5 18.8 100.0

2002 56.7 4.3 1.5 18.5 18.9 100.0

2003 57.4 4.6 1.5 17.9 18.7 100.0

2004 57.0 4.5 1.4 18.2 18.9 100.0

2005 57.2 4.3 2.1 16.6 19.8 100.0

2006 55.7 4.4 1.4 19.2 19.3 100.0

Percentage change 2001–2006 -11.8 -13.0 -37.7 -7.8 -8.7

catholic church ofireland (incl.Protestant

other christianreligions

Presbyterian Methodist other statedreligions incl.orthodox and

islam

nationalities of non-irish catholics resident in roi


GraPh 5

GraPh 4

GraPh 3

numbers of ordained and professed personnel 2001–2006

numbers accepted to study for the religious life 2001–2006

non-catholic religious communities classified by irish

or non-irish nationality, roi 2006.

other statedreligions

church ofireland incl.Protestant

otherchristianreligions

Presbyterian Muslim(islamic)

orthodox Methodist


holydays of Obligation all sundays

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin mary – tuesday, 8 December 2009

Christmas – friday, 25 December 2009

assumption of the Blessed Virgin mary – sunday, 15 august 2010

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin mary –Wednesday, 8 December 2010

Christmas – saturday, 25 December 2010

(the holy family, Baptism of the lord, ascension, trinity, Body and Blood of Christ, Christ the King arecelebrated on sundays.)

Days of Prayer for 2010

World Day of Peace friday, 1 January 2010

World Day for migrants and refugees sunday, 17 January 2010

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins monday, 18 January 2010

Catholic education Week Begins sunday, 31 January 2010

World Day of Consecrated life tuesday, 2 february 2010

World Day for the sick thursday, 11 february 2010

Day of Prayer for temperance sunday, 14 february 2010

Day of Prayer for Vocations sunday, 25 april 2010

World Communications Day sunday, 16 may 2010

Day for life sunday, 3 october 2010

mission sunday sunday, 24 october 2010

restorative Justice Week Begins sunday, 21 november 2010

Notes for 2010

Lectionary

sunday: Cycle C

Weekday: Cycle II

Weeks in ordinary time Before lent: 6 weeks – ending 16 february

after eastertime beginning 24 may – 8th Week

Future Dates Ash Wednesday Easter Sunday Pentecost

2010 17 february 4 april 23 may

2011 9 march 24 april 12 June


2013 13 february 31 march 19 may

2014 5 march 20 april 8 June


2016 10 february 27 march 15 may

AppendixLiturgical Calendar for Ireland 2010

Financial Statement for the year ended

31 December 2009

the finance and General Purposes Committee ofthe Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference hasapproved and published the financial statementof the Bishops’ Conference for the year ended 31December 2008. In so doing, the Committee, andthrough it his eminence Cardinal Brady, and theother members of the Bishops’ Conference,wishes to acknowledge the immense gratitudewhich it owes to all the individuals and agenciesthat support the work of the Conference.Voluntary donations, given by individuals,groups and by government, are the source ofsupport for the work of the Conference and itsagencies.

In particular, the annual budget of theConference provides the resources for theConference secretariat, which oversees on a day-to-day basis the work of the Conferencecommissions, agencies, councils and otherbodies. support for these is grouped under fiveDepartment headings:

Catholic education and formation

Planning and Communications

Pastoral Care

social Issues and International affairs

Pastoral renewal and faith Development

In addition, assistance is also given to otherChurch related bodies, including the Chaplaincyfor Deaf People, Dialogue Ireland, Irish schoolof ecumenics, Diocesan youth Directors, scholaCantorum, young Christian Workers movement,and european bodies such as ComeCe, CCeeand the Chaplaincy at the Irish College, Paris.

the Irish dioceses, on a per capita basis, are themain source of finance for the work of theBishops’ Conference. some assistance is also

received from government agencies, whichsupport the work of the Irish Bishops’ DrugsInitiative, the Irish Council for Prisonersoverseas and the Irish Council for emigrants.restricted grants are also received from anumber of other bodies, which support the workof the Irish Commission for Pastoral renewaland faith Development, the Irish Bishops’ DrugsInitiative and the Irish Commission for Justiceand social affairs.

support for the larger agencies of the Conference– aCCorD, CUra, trócaire – is receivedindependently by these bodies and is notreflected in the income and expenditure figuresbelow.

the work of the national Board for safeguardingChildren in the Catholic Church (nBsCCC) isfunded separately by its sponsoring bodies,which comprise the Irish Bishops’ Conference,the Conference of religious of Ireland (CorI)and the Irish missionary Union (ImU). During2008, the Bishops’ Conference contributed€349,870 towards the cost of the national Boardfor safeguarding Children. this is separate fromthe contributions made by each diocese atdiocesan level.

twenty-seven people were employed directly bythe Conference at the secretariat in the ColumbaCentre, maynooth in 2008: fifteen women andtwelve men. total remuneration costs, includingsocial welfare and pension contributions,amounted to €1,280,678, while total operationalcosts amounted to €1,866,622 of the ColumbaCentre in 2008.

total Income for the year, including restrictedincome, amounted to €3,352,444 and totalexpenditure amounted to €3,147,300.

once again the members of the Committeeexpress their gratitude to those who, in agenerous and often anonymous way, support thepastoral mission of the Irish Bishops’Conference.

� John fleming, DD, DCl,Chairman,

finance and General Purposes Committee

Bishop John Fleming, Chairman, Finance Commission,and Mrs Anne Young, Financial Controller

Finance and General Purposes

62

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