Clerical changes announced in Diocese of Meath

Two personnel changes in Offaly parishes have been announced as part of the latest round of clerical appointments issued by the Diocese of Meath.

The current parish priest in Eglish, Fr John Moorehead, is retiring and he will be replaced by the parish priest in Kilcormac, Fr Michael Meade.

This is in addition to Fr Meade's existing role, meaning he will now serve as parish priest of both the Kilcormac and Eglish parishes.

Announcing the clerical appointments, Bishop Tom Deenihan, paid tribute to Fr Moorehead who is "retiring after a life of dedicated service to the Diocese of Meath".

"The fact that there is no ordination to priesthood for the Diocese this summer is further evidence of the changing landscape in the Diocese," Bishop Deenihan said.

"Moving is a difficult experience for all priests and parishioners and I want to thank the priests in question for their generosity."

The bishop also encouraged parishes and parishioners to pray for and encourage vocations, stating that, "without vocations, more parishes will be without priests in the near future."

Bishop Deenihan said he would be visiting all pastoral areas during June to meet with priests and representatives of parish pastoral councils "to discuss how parishes can work together to ensure that Sacramental life remains, and parishes retain their identity, when there is no resident priest."

He pointed out that currently over one third of the priests working in the Diocese of Meath were from outside the diocese on loan, or were over the retirement age for priests, which is 75.