This message has been edited - 12-apr-2012 @ 23:16

Originally posted by King Henry:
THE Catholic diocese of Cork and Ross has announced a reduction in the number and frequence of Masses to be celebrated in churches as a result of the shortage of priests.
In a move heralded last June by Bishop John Buckley, the diocese has responded to the fall in the number of vocations and the reality that there are now too few priests for too many parishes. In a letter read at Mass at all parishes on Sunday and published online by the diocese yesterday, Bishop Buckley reiterated his plan to divide the diocese into what are known as "pastoral areas" or groupings of parishes. Each pastoral area faces losing at least one priest within the next couple of years. In his letter, the bishop said: "An important part of our planning was the revision of Mass schedules. Although there will be fewer Masses in some areas, every effort will be made to ensure that communities will be able to attend Mass locally each weekend." However, the likelihood is people who wish to attend Mass at a particular time may have to go to a church other than the one they are used to, said the bishop. He added: "I appreciate that these changes will involve a sacrifice for some parishioners. My primary concern is to ensure that in the years ahead communities will have the opportunity to gather and celebrate the Mass. Even in the harshest times Irish people treasured the Mass and they risked life itself to show their love for the Mass." The new Mass schedules will be introduced on January 1. Last June, Bishop Buckley addressed a letter to Catholics in the diocese. He wrote: "In 1998, 154 priests worked in the diocese. Today, the figure stands at 103 and this number will continue to decline in the future." The bishop added: "Given the continuing fall in the number of priests, each pastoral area faces the real prospect of losing at least one priest within a couple of years."above article from december of last year. We all know it's not just cork thats experiencing problems. Will there be any priests in Ireland in 15 or 20 years

Originally posted by N16:
Time for the Catholic Church to throw out its outdated ideology when it comes to the clergy etc and move into the 21st century. The whole hierachy of the church was shown up for what it was in the last 20 years. Its time priests were allowed to marry - taking a vow of celebacy is an antithesis to what is natural. Also in favour of women priests etc. Some sort of moel should be introduced where you have a sort of vicar or pastor who is married. Even though a lot of people dont go to mass etc, they still turn to the church in time of need such as when someone close to them passes away etc. Time for a revamp in the church of there'll be nothing but ruins of churches in every village in 100 years time.

This message has been edited - 12-apr-2012 @ 15:58

Originally posted by Harrison Ford:
Yeah until priests are allowed to have sex, get married, have kids etc, I wouldn't trust anyone that goes into the priesthood these days. They would either have a screw loose or would be completely emotionally detached (in which case I would trust them even less).In fact most Catholics these days are really Protestants because it was they that protested at the out-dated rules and corruption within the Vatican.

Originally posted by cerebus:
Is there anything to be said for bringing back the Penal Laws.

This message has been edited - 12-apr-2012 @ 17:44

Originally posted by Harrison Ford:
Yeah until priests are allowed to have sex, get married, have kids etc, I wouldn't trust anyone that goes into the priesthood these days. They would either have a screw loose or would be completely emotionally detached (in which case I would trust them even less).In fact most Catholics these days are really Protestants because it was they that protested at the out-dated rules and corruption within the Vatican.

Originally posted by cerebus:
Is there anything to be said for bringing back the Penal Laws.

Originally posted by kelticwave:
I'd nearly take the Old Testament fire and brimstone before Christ's message...
Blessed are
the meek: for they shall inherit the earth
the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
What a crock of s**te.

Originally posted by loughcurraman:
You got that wrong. It's "Blessed are the Cheesemakers".

Originally posted by labane1917:
Religion has become largely irrelevant for most people in the developed world.

This message has been edited - 12-apr-2012 @ 19:54

Originally posted by kelticwave:
I'd nearly take the Old Testament fire and brimstone before Christ's message...
Blessed are
the meek: for they shall inherit the earth
the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
What a crock of s**te.

Originally posted by moycullen14:
What's so special about cheesemakers? (Go on, you know you want to!)

Originally posted by inbetweeners:
That is some sweeping statement to come out with. How could you possibly know either way.I have to laugh at atheists who let religion bother them so much. You would think it was completely irrelevant to them, with them being atheists and all.The Catholic Church definitely needs some change and allowing priest to marry would be a good start.