Traditional Diocesan boundaries in Ireland are a bit funny because they made sure that every Diocese had access to the coast, so a Bishop could always get to Rome without interference from any other Bishop. Makes for some odd shaped strips of territory at boundary edges. The population distribution of Ireland are changed in the last cent…
Traditional Diocesan boundaries in Ireland are a bit funny because they made sure that every Diocese had access to the coast, so a Bishop could always get to Rome without interference from any other Bishop. Makes for some odd shaped strips of territory at boundary edges. The population distribution of Ireland are changed in the last century with the depopulation of rural areas and the huge expansion of Dublin into neighboring towns and counties as suburbs and dormitory towns expand. With respect to amalgamations and suppression of parishes or dioceses and so on, I do think the laity are actually ahead of the clergy here in being ready to deal with realities on the ground. Between knowing how to balance a family budget and professional expertise in many areas, lay people have plenty to contribute in the forward planning of the church. The most important concept to advance in this respect, is to promote and catechize that the Church is the people of God, and that a parish or Diocese is the people of God on mission in a particular place. If we can prayerfully advance the kingdom together as God's people, the buildings and boundaries issues are just details to be worked out. If we are not seeking first the kingdom, they will never be sorted.
Traditional Diocesan boundaries in Ireland are a bit funny because they made sure that every Diocese had access to the coast, so a Bishop could always get to Rome without interference from any other Bishop. Makes for some odd shaped strips of territory at boundary edges. The population distribution of Ireland are changed in the last century with the depopulation of rural areas and the huge expansion of Dublin into neighboring towns and counties as suburbs and dormitory towns expand. With respect to amalgamations and suppression of parishes or dioceses and so on, I do think the laity are actually ahead of the clergy here in being ready to deal with realities on the ground. Between knowing how to balance a family budget and professional expertise in many areas, lay people have plenty to contribute in the forward planning of the church. The most important concept to advance in this respect, is to promote and catechize that the Church is the people of God, and that a parish or Diocese is the people of God on mission in a particular place. If we can prayerfully advance the kingdom together as God's people, the buildings and boundaries issues are just details to be worked out. If we are not seeking first the kingdom, they will never be sorted.