Meetings to be held to keep churches open in Ballinamore area

Four Catholic churches in the Oughteragh & Lower Drumreilly parish must prepare for “big changes” this year.

Parishioners of Aughnasheelin, Aughawillan, Ballinamore and Coraleehan were informed last weekend that a series of reviews and meetings will be held to discuss changes going forward.

Curate priest, Fr Johnny Cusack will retire this June following the Diamond Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. Fr Cusack will be 85 years old this year.

This will leave just Fr Sean Mawn PP in control of four churches.

Fr Mawn informed parishioners last weekend “we have become aware of the shortage of priests in our diocese and how this will impact on the availability of pastoral and liturgical services in each parish.”

There is no guarantee that another priest will be available to come and minister here, Fr Mawn said it is actually “unlikely.”

He said, “this poses new challenges for myself, Martina our pastoral worker and for all parishioners.”

In an effort to “keep our churches open into the future” with the limited amount of clergy and resources; meetings will be held in each church area to highlight the changes and discuss plans.

Martina Gilmartin, Director of Pastoral Development and Faith Formation for the diocese of Kilmore and Pastoral Worker will attend the meetings.

All parishioners are asked to attend to help formulate “how together we can best plan for cater for the spiritual needs of the people in the four church areas.”

Parish Meetings:

Aughnasheelin Community Hall on Monday, January 23 at 8pm.

Aughawillan Community Hall on Tuesday, January 24 at 8pm.

Corraleehan Church on Wednesday, January 25 at 8pm.

Ballinamore Island Theatre on Monday, January 30 at 8pm.