Shaping Our Diocese 2015-2020

Bishop Ray Browne is returning to Castleisland on Monday night after an extremely busy Confirmation day on Friday. ©Photograph: John Reidy 5-6-2014
Bishop Ray Browne is returning to Castleisland on Monday night after an extremely busy Confirmation day on Friday. ©Photograph: John Reidy 5-6-2014

The Diocese of Kerry is preparing a new Pastoral Plan for 2015-2020. Conscious of the changing reality of society and church today, the diocese will carry out a comprehensive listening process in order to hear people’s hopes, challenges and expectations at this time.

The pastoral plan will provide the diocese with a road-map/direction over the next 5 years.

Launching the listening process, Bishop Ray Browne said: “It is important to consult and listen to what people are saying. At times we think we know what people need, but that is not always accurate, so it is important to ask. We believe that listening to people speak about their concerns is an essential starting point.”

To hear people’s concerns and hopes, there will be gatherings held throughout the diocese. From now until mid-March, there will be a listening meeting held in each of 12 pastoral areas.

Each evening will begin at 8pm and conclude by 9.30pm and there will be an opportunity for everyone present to share their concerns, hopes and expectations. The diocesan pastoral team will facilitate the gathering. All comments will be noted and will form the basis for drawing up the pastoral plan.

Everyone is welcome to attend. For further information about your local listening gathering, check out your parish newsletter, check Upcoming Events on this site and listen in to Horizons or Community Diary on Radio Kerry.

Schedule of Shaping Our Diocese Meetingshave already been held in places like: the Beara, Iveragh, Millstreet, Killorglin pastoral areas and those to come begin with Castleisland: Monday, March 2nd Castleisland pastoral area; Wednesday, March 4th Listowel pastoral area; Thursday, March 5th Corca Dhuibhne pastoral area; Monday, March 9th North Kerry pastoral area; Tuesday, March 10th Kenmare pastoral area and Wednesday, March 18th Tralee pastoral area.

You can also e-mail your input to: shapingourdiocese@dioceseofkerry.ie