Lack of priests leads to fewer Masses

A SHORTAGE of priests in the Limerick Diocese will lead to a reduction in the number of Masses, the Bishop of Limerick said yesterday.

Ten priests are due to retire over the next three years, and there are only two to be ordained.

The diocese plans to spread its priests over several parishes and reduce the number of Masses in the new year. Bishop of Limerick Dr Donal Murray, who has held extensive consultations with priests, laity and parishes, said it would be a “painful task,” but they had no alternative.