Review of housing for priests urged

A TEAM of priests living in one house serving a number of parishes would prevent the isolation and loneliness endured by many clerics living in rural communities, a leading bishop urged yesterday.

Speaking at the final day of the National Conference of Priests of Ireland Conference, Bishop of Killaloe Willie Walsh said he feared priests, particularly those in rural parishes, felt isolated and alienated from the rest of the community.

He called on the Catholic Church in Ireland to review the current housing situation for priests, and believed the Church also needed to examine carefully the question of isolation among the clergy.