Diocese may have to close churches

The Catholic diocese of Killaloe may have to close some its churches and reduce masses because of a decline in clerical manpower.

Bishop Willie Walsh says it is almost certain that one more parish will lose a resident priest when the annual round of Diocesan appointments is made this summer.

The news comes as the Catholic Church prepares to hammer home this Sunday that the shortage of priests in the country is severely hampering its ministry.

This year’s vocations Sunday message in all dioceses is believed to focus on raising awareness of “the call” amongst potential seminarians.