Concern in parish over the workload for solitary priest

The transfer of the second priest out of Knocknacarra has been met with disbelief by locals who fear the workload in the biggest parish west of the Shannon will prove too onerous for one cleric.

Fr David Murphy was one of 16 priests moved by Bishop John Drennan before he announced his shock retirement a three weeks ago due to ill health.  The curate has been appointed chaplain to University Hospital Galway.

Left to manage a population of 15,000 on his own is parish priest Fr Tadhg Quinn. Since St John the Apostle Church opened in 1992 and the parish was newly-formed by former Bishop Eamon Casey, there has always been two priests to administer the heavy workload associated with Galway’s most populated suburb.

Parishioners have voiced their concerns that the task will be too much for anybody on their own as there are two masses said daily, four on a Sunday, one on a Saturday with the usual variety of ceremonies held regularly such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.

“There is a great deal of disquiet here about the impact this will have. Fr Tadgh has always been a very hard worker. He’s always going to the hospice or the hospital visiting people in the parish,” said one resident who spoke on condition his name was withheld.

“He’s also the chaplain for Cura (pregnancy advice group) and he set up the Wall of Hope at Christmas where people on hard times can write that they need coal or fuel etc. and other people can donate services, goods or money and nobody knows about the recipients or beneficiaries – only Fr Tadhg.”

Attendances at St John the Apostle Church buck the trend in Galway and nationally – there are far more young people, families and older people going to Mass here than in any other diocese so additional masses were put on to cater for the numbers.

The weekly collection is in the region of €2,800, which demonstrates the high esteem the clergy are held in by parishioners, this resident pointed out. Some 640 parishioners attended a celebration for the 40th anniversary of Fr Tadhg’s ordination a fortnight ago.

“Over the years, curates from the parish were transferred but somebody was always appointed in their place. Word on the street is they have no priest to transfer here. Yet, one of the priests recently ordained in Galway is going off to administer in Australia when he’s badly needed here.”

A spokesman for the diocese said in a statement: “While Canon McLoughlin, the Diocesan Administrator, is fully aware of the very heavy workload of many priests across the diocese, he does not, as a matter of policy and fairness, comment on individual parishes, appointments or on the diocesan changes.

“Any priest who feels their workload is excessive or unsustainable is always most welcome to discuss their situation with him.”

Fr Tadhg was leading a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and was unavailable for comment.