Dwindling priest numbers results in reduced Masses

MASSES in the Kerry diocese are likely to be reduced further as the number of serving priests continues to fall. Also, three younger Kerry priests left the ministry this year.

Monsignor Dan O’Riordan, parish priest of St John’s, Tralee, confirmed yesterday that there’s to be a slight reduction in the number of weekday Masses in Tralee and called for more activity by lay people in parish work.

Upwards of 90 priests are currently working in 52 parishes in the diocese, which also includes parts of north and south-west Cork, but around half of these priests are due for retirement in the next 20 years, by which time they will have served for 50 years.