Clogher Diocese has welcomed a new candidate for the priesthood. The former teacher aged in his 20s will be entering what is called the "propaedeutic year of discernment" this month. He will be the first new candidate in Clogher Diocese in six years.
Propaedeutic year is the year of discovery for new entrants to the seminary during which they receive an introduction to spiritual and academic life. The diocese also has one existing seminarian. There has been just seven priests ordained in Clogher in the past 25 years. A spokesperson for the Diocese of Clogher also called "encouraging" the fact that there is one married man entering the final year of formation for ordination as a Permanent Deacon in 2025. "There continues to be an expression of interest in this ordaoined ministry", the spokesperson added.
Last September, it was announced that more than 40 'new leaders' will be introduced to Clogher Diocese to preside over funerals as parishoners take on more duties due to the shortage of priests. Last week, The Diocese of Kilmore started a series of information evenings to invite lay people to apply to study a Level 7 Diploma in Pastoral Ministry. The average age of priests in Kilmore is 71.
