IRELAND
Association of Catholic Priests
Following on from meetings of Catholic lay people in Dublin, Cork and Galway promoted by the ACP, a very successful gathering of up to 60 people took place in Blarney on 9 January 2013 .
The meeting was facilitated by Daithi ó hAoidh, a member of Ballineaspaig Parish Faith in Action group. The aim of the meeting was to allow the Catholic faithful from the Blarney/Inniscarra area the opportunity to dialogue over their particular cares and concerns with regard to faith matters.
As it was an occasion for dialogue the attendees were formed into smaller groups and Daithi the question to them as to why they were here. There was a huge diversity of answers:
◦People being curious
◦A feeling of being disconnected and alienation from the Church
◦Fears that the faith could be lost and concern about our young people.
◦A sense of helplessness that lay people are not being listened to
◦Upset that the teachings of Vatican 11 were not being implemented.
◦Concern that no plans were being made for the future.
◦A feeling of lack of leadership.
◦Some women expressed feelings of being disconnected from the Church.
◦Concern over lack of accountability at every level in the Church.
◦Concern over the treatment of priests and the silencing of priests.
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