Ready and willing priest can’t get work

I WRITE in the context of Conor Ryan’s article in which he mentions the shortage of priests and vocations (October 8). In autumn 2005, I asked for and received — from Bishop John Magee of Cloyne diocese — permission to take indefinite leave of absence from the diocese for personal reasons. I went to live in my native parish of Youghal. I was 60 years old and in good health.

The week before I went to Youghal, I telephoned the relevant priest and offered to help by way of saying Mass. He said he did not need me. When I asked why, I was told I might confuse Mass offerings and that it would also upset the duty roster for saying Mass.

At the time, I had 36 years’ experience of taking care of Mass offerings. Also, at that time one of the curates in Youghal was taking a six-month leave of absence and was not being replaced, so a new roster would be required anyway.