Dear Parishioners,

                               Three members of the Tuam-Cortoon-Lavally Pastoral Council attended a Deanery Meeting in the Ard Rí Hotel on March 6th. Representatives from the other parishes in the Tuam Deanery were also present with their priests. These parishes are Killererin, Mountbellew/Moylough, Menlough/Skehana, Abbeyknockmoy/Brooklodge/Monivea, and Moore.

This meeting took place in response to an invitation from Archbishop Francis to consider the hopes and concerns, the successes, and the challenges in relation to the life of the Church in our parishes in the context of the union of the dioceses of Tuam and Killala.

Niamh Morris, the Diocesan Resource Person, facilitated the meeting. The meeting began with an address by Archbishop Francis outlining the current pastoral situation in both dioceses. He mentioned the number of parishes and the age profile of the priests serving in both dioceses. There are many laypeople involved in various ministries in their parishes. He noted Pope Francis's desire to reduce the number of dioceses worldwide, particularly in Europe. Archbishop also mentioned the decline in the numbers practising and the legacy of the sexual abuse scandals.

Those present were then invited to consider the question mentioned above. Among the mainpoints in the feedback were the following. Overall, there was a positive reaction to the proposed union. There are many benefits from an administrative perspective. There are lots of efficiencies and economies of scale to be gained. There could be mutual enrichment from the union of the two dioceses. Other organisations in the community and voluntary sector are undergoing similar mergers.

The union of the two dioceses will result in a loss of identity for parishioners and priests.Everyone signed up for what they are now familiar with, and change will bring an inevitable sense of loss.

The overall conclusion was that many of the challenges we face are not related to the union of the two dioceses but rather to the reality faced by the Church in Ireland and throughout much of Western Europe. These challenges must be faced regardless of Tuam and Killala's proposed union.

The importance of good communication throughout this process was emphasised. The feedback from the meeting was recorded and will be collated with the responses from other meetings. The gathering in the Ard Rí was the second of twelve Deanery meetings that willtake place throughout the spring in Killala and Tuam dioceses.

Fr. Pat Farragher Adm.