Married men may become ‘substitute priests’ in Co Galway

 The shortage of priests in Galway has resulted in a proposal that married men preside at weddings, funerals and baptisms.

 They will have to go through a three year training programme and it will result in the ordination of married men into the priesthood – but they will not be in a position to conduct a full Mass.

It would allow for any man over the age of 40, married or not, to become a deacon and preach at Masses, carry out wedding ceremonies and preside at funerals.

The Archdiocese of Tuam, which covers most of Galway and Mayo, is expected to look for lay people to fill the roles of retiring priests.

It is estimated that by 2020 the 55 parishes of the Archdiocese will be served by approximately 50 priests, some 20 less than are currently in active ministry.

This will mean that a growing number of parishes will not have a resident priest.

A document issued by the Archdiocese underlines the importance of the promotion and nurturing of vocations to the priesthood, saying that this is the responsibility of every member of the church community.

In planning for the future it stresses that while every parish may not have a resident priest, all parishes will continue to have the services of a priest who will work as part of a team in groupings or ‘clusters’ of parishes.

Fr Fintan Monahan, Secretary to the Archdiocese, told The Connacht Tribune that there was now an opportunity for every member of the church to play their part.

The possible introduction of the permanent diaconate is just one of a number of wide ranging proposals outlined in a planning document to be distributed at Masses throughout the Archdiocese this weekend.

Read more in today’s Connacht Tribune