Church at critical juncture, says Archbishop Martin

Bishops and priests need to find new ways to make young people enthusiastic about the Catholic faith as the Church is at “a critical juncture” in its history in Ireland, according to the Archbishop of Dublin.

Speaking at the Chrism mass at the Pro Cathedral, Diarmuid Martin warned that a Church without “enthusiasm” will be “a self-serving organisation to which no one will be attracted”.

“We are at a critical juncture and the only valid answer is an answer of enthusiasm and optimism, of commitment and renewal in our own lives. We have to witness to others the sense of meaning and purpose that Jesus brings to our lives. If all we have to offer is a tired and discouraged faith, then we have to ask questions about the quality of our own faith,” he said.