Diocese of Kerry looks to address their lack of priests

Five of the 53 parishes in the Diocese of Kerry are now without a resident priest and changes announced yesterday by Bishop of Kerry Dr Ray Browne, are to take account of five deaths as well as retirements.

The need to cover for neighbouring parishes means “no priest is full-time in his own parish” in these areas, and the laity are responsible for more work, the Bishop indicated.

While five priests have died in the past nine months, at least three priests are coping with long term illness, Dr Browne said.