Bishop Nulty invites parishioners to become lay ministers
Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty (left) with Colette Cummins and Patrick Roche, director of parish development
THE DIOCESE of Kildare and Leighlin, under the leadership of Bishop Denis Nulty, is inviting people with the courage to step forward and answer an important call to service. A new training programme has been developed to equip lay people with the essential skills they need to serve as lay pastoral ministers within parishes and pastoral areas.
In response to the ongoing need for more vocations and the ageing profile of priests, the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin has announced a comprehensive new Lay Pastoral Minister Training Programme. The programme has been developed in partnership with St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth (SPPU) and Mount Saint Anne’s Conference and Retreat Centre.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the programme, Bishop Nulty said: “We are committed to empowering lay leaders within our diocese. This training will provide the necessary tools and knowledge for lay pastoral ministers to contribute meaningfully to our parish communities.” The Lay Pastoral Ministers (Diploma in Pastoral Ministry, Level 7) programme aims to nurture and develop the talents of lay leaders, preparing them to undertake significant roles within their parishes and pastoral areas.
“The role of lay people in our Church is crucial to ensure we invigorate faith in our communities. This is an exciting and important opportunity for people who want to explore their faith on a deeper level and be part of the future of our Church,” the bishop added.
In June, Deacon Patrick Roche was also appointed as diocesan director of parish development with the aim of supporting the involvement of more lay people in Church life through training and education.
Members of the public are being invited to a series of information meetings across the diocese to find out more about the Diploma in Pastoral Ministry. These meetings will offer an opportunity to anyone who is curious to learn more about the course, its objectives and the benefits it offers to participants and their communities.
Local information sessions are taking place on Monday 4 November at Mount Wolseley, Tullow; Thursday 7 November at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow; and Wednesday 13 November at the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge.
All meetings will begin at 7.30pm, with tea and coffee available from 7.15pm.
Bishop Nulty encourages anyone who feels called to serve as a lay pastoral minister to attend one of the information evenings. "I keep meeting people who tell me ‘I’d love to be more involved in my parish, I don’t know what to do’. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your faith and make a tangible impact within your parish community. Even if you are unsure of what to expect, we welcome everybody to come along and we will be happy to engage and answer questions,” he said.
