Clonskeagh Parish RCN:20016166

A Few Words from Fr Joe……

During the month of October each year the Diocese asks us to count the numbers coming to Mass. No one will be surprised to learn that in the last 10 years the numbers have dropped off dramatically. In Mount Merrion for example the reduction is 50%, from just over 1,600 people at Mass each weekend to 800 now. In Kilmacud the average attendance this year is 450 and in Clonskeagh around 125. So, in total across the three parishes in our partnership we have approximately 1,375 people attending Sunday Mass. What this figure captures, but doesn’t make specific, is that each weekend our congregations are a combination of regular weekly mass goers and those who come for a particular reason such as an anniversary Mass or the Do This in Memory Mass. What this figure doesn’t capture is all the activity that happens during the week and the hundreds of people who attend funerals and other liturgies. Nor does it include the parishioners who participate online from their homes.

The Diocese asks for this information as part of the general planning for the allocation of priests and resources. The Diocese has published on their website a document called ‘Pastoral Strategic Planning Resource 2025-2027’. This is the guiding document for Parish Pastoral Councils and Parish Finance Committees and the whole parish community to use as we prepare for an implement real change in our parish structures. The future planning depends on active and committed parish groups reading, praying, reflecting and making hard decision so that we can responsibly harness the resources we have and use them prudently.

Just as the numbers at Mass have dropped off so too there is a decline in volunteering and many of the parish committees are short of members. This might be a moment to recognise and respond to the need for new energy. Parishioners working together in favour of their precious faith community, supporting the few active priests, and ensuring strong and active participation, can still make for a fantastic, vibrant local church.

Fr Joe Mullan, Moderator Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion Parishes