Latest Parish News
Pastoral Message of Bishop Francis Duffy, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois
03/Apr/2021
Pastoral Message
of Bishop Francis Duffy, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois
We are an Easter people: our faith in the risen Lord remains undimmed
One Year On
Over the last year we have witnessed the wonderful courage, sacrifice and kindness of so many people. We have lots of Good Samaritans, ever watchful for those who are in need.
Young people, school and sacraments
The work school staffs and management has kept learning to the forefront in the
most challenging of circumstances. Parents have the demanding work of home
schooling in the midst of already busy schedules.
In our parishes there are many who are preparing for the sacraments of First
Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
I hope that the celebration of these sacraments, as well as all the
postponed Baptisms and Marriages, will be joyful and happy occasions for
families, when it is safe for them to take place.
Clergy and parishioners
I think of our priests whose
pastoral work has been curtailed by restrictions and cocooning. I thank them for keeping in touch and reaching out in a variety of pastoral
ways. I thank you for your
generous support of clergy, both moral and material, at this very difficult
time.
Over the last year the
Church has played its part in this crusade of caution. I thank our clergy and all the committees and
volunteers who do so much to keep our churches open and safe. All the planning and sanitising and the
stewarding is very much appreciated as it keeps people safer and gives great
reassurance.
Liturgy in Church
Although our physical attendance at Mass is curtailed and at times not possible, we have a rich variety of ways
to nourish our faith and our daily living. Private prayer, including
reading scripture passages or the Mass readings, is very supportive. The
‘domestic Church’ is the family gathering around the kitchen table, in prayer
and following Mass online. The ‘domestic Church’ has gained a new
importance. The traditional Rosary,
and the visits to church, are familiar practices. These are not
substitute ways of worship, they are tried and tested routes that nourish our
faith in the risen Lord. While streamlined Masses keep us connected to
worship in a virtual way, and while the opportunity to do so is very much
appreciated, it is not the same as being present in a church. We long to be back in church for Mass and the
celebration of the sacraments. We look
forward to the temporary measures being eased and lifted and returning to
public worship.
Diocesan Assembly
We were over half way through our Diocesan
Assembly preparations when the first lockdown came. We look forward to resuming, while at the same
time taking into account fresh insights into our living, and into how we are as
Church. How we will minister as Church
is a key consideration for the future. We have embarked on this journey just at a time
when the Church in Ireland is moving on a path to discern the Holy Spirit’s
guidance. Both our Diocesan Assembly and the national synodal pathway will
be a time of journeying together, as believers in the Good News of Jesus
Christ. I look forward to resuming our journey.
Easter Joy and Easter Hope
The
resurrection of Jesus Christ is our reassurance that he continues to walk
alongside us. It holds out the ultimate hope that God loves each of us,
no matter what. We are an Easter people; our faith in the risen Lord remains
undimmed. It is a
faith that tells us, yes these are difficult times, but the Lord walks with us,
encouraging us and giving us the wisdom to keep going in a positive and life
enhancing way and to be especially supportive and protective of those around
us.
I wish you and your family and friends a happy Easter.
+ Francis Duffy
Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois
Easter 2021