The issue of the Catholic Church having married or women priests, or both, were among issues raised at parish meetings in the Tuam archdiocese as a preparation for a Diocesan Pastoral Assembly to be held in November.
Fr Tod Nolan, chairperson of the archdiocese's Pastoral Assembly Steering Group, confirmed that mambers of the laity raised both issues and said he believed there was need for more such discussions. 'While our assembly is not in a position to deal with such questions, the fact that these issues are raised suggests very real concern and indicates the need for discussion and debate around them” he acknowledged. But Fr Nolan said that of more immediate pastoral concern were challenges facing the Church in its ministry to youth, to young married and unmarried couples, and to the increasing number of immigrants. “Our faith is something very special which we want to celebrate and to share” he said. “We, all who believe, need to take responsibility for that faith” he added. Fr Nolan said parish representatives had also raised lengthy sermons and the need for more training of laity in Church administration. He said he was heartened that 2,500 people from all over the archdiocese has participated in discussions at 80 separate rch area meetings. “Our hope was to involve as many people as possible in a diocesan wide conversation in order to identify what are the main areas which we need to address as we plan for the future”. “'At a time when some would have us believe that the Church is a thing of the past, the experience of this diocese is that not only is faith important to people but that people, young and old, are eager and anxious to be part of a Church which seeks to cherish, sustain and celebrate faith now and in the future” said Fr Nolan.