Limerick Catholics call for stronger representation of women in the Church 

In a letter read out at Masses in the Diocese, Bishop Brendan Leahy said 'the most urgent priority identified was the need to engage more deeply with young people and families'

In his letter, Bishop Leahy said: 'Again and again, parishioners spoke of the need for greater lay ministry, for formal recognition of the contribution of women, and for more training and formation.' File picture: Kieran Clancy

Catholic parishioners in Limerick have urged their diocese to consider stronger representation of women, including on parish councils and finance committees and in senior lay leadership, following widespread consultation.

The Catholic Diocese of Limerick’s 2026 parish consultation also highlights challenges around “declining” clergy numbers, financial sustainability and worries around “ageing” congregations and low youth engagement.

In a letter read out at Masses over the weekend, Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy said some parishes in the diocese are currently in a financially precarious position.

“I do not intend to close churches unless a parish reaches a point where it cannot, financially or in terms of safety, keep the building open. We are not at that point now, though one or two are close,” he said.

Church land put up for sale 

Earlier this year, the Diocese placed land adjacent to two Limerick City schools on the market for more than €2.27m, as it faced a “sustained” budget deficit.

Including input from more than 3,000 parishioners across Limerick, the 2026 consultation report found faith remains central to many “yet many worry about keeping it vibrant in community life and passing it on". 

“Young people emerged across the parish consultations as the single most urgent priority for parish life. Communities reported ageing congregations, low teenage participation and fear that vitality will wane without action,” the report said.

The parish consultations also “repeatedly noted how congregations are ageing" as well as a "shortage of under‑30s, with volunteer tiredness a pressing concern".

There was also “broad agreement” across the consultations that parishes must actively encourage and expand lay ministry as clergy numbers change.

Numbers have fallen from 125 priests in active ministry under the age of 75 in 1986, to 33 today. One priest has been ordained in 10 years and there are now 17 international priests serving in the diocese, the report notes. The offertory collection has also reduced by 37% over the last ten years.

Consultations also repeatedly "recognised women’s vital contribution to parish life and called for clearer support, recognition and pathways for fuller participation". 

Women "serve centrally" in faith formation and sacramental preparation, administration, pastoral visiting and music, the report notes, yet "their work often lacks formal training, visible commissioning and equitable leadership representation." 

Call for women to take senior lay roles 

Participants urged stronger representation of women on parish councils and finance committees, and recommended "women‑led liturgies, themed events and leadership retreats to nurture confidence and vocation". 

The report also noted requests from parishioners included "senior lay roles for women, greater visibility in governance and inclusion in liturgical and pastoral responsibilities". 

"In a number of places, submissions raised questions about ordination to the diaconate and priesthood and married clergy as topics for further discussion." 

In his letter, Bishop Leahy said: "The most urgent priority identified was the need to engage more deeply with young people and families. Again and again, parishioners spoke of the need for greater lay ministry, for formal recognition of the contribution of women, and for more training and formation.”

He intends to establish five new resource centres, the first of which will be focused on parish leadership. "It will encourage lay ministries, including women’s leadership," he said. 

• Jess Casey, Education Correspondent