Statement of the Spring 2024 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered this week for their Spring 2024 General Meeting in Columba Centre of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  The President of the Conference is Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, and the Vice-President is Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin.



The main issues discussed by bishops during their meeting included:

• ‘Let us all say: enough … Stop the War!’
• Welcoming the return of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly
• Immigration and integration: “through encounter, we will all be enriched”
• Highest homeless figures and plight of rough sleepers necessitate immediate action
• Update on the progress of the Irish Synodal Pathway and of the Universal Synodal Assembly
• Let your voice be heard in the Constitutional referendums on ‘Family’ and ‘Care’
• Trócaire’s Lenten campaign on the impact of the global climate crisis on Malawians
• Laudato Si’: actions to care for creation
• Special prayerful moment at Mass on Saint Patrick’s Day for world peace
• #Lent2024 and preparation for Holy Week and Easter
• Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood 2023 – 2024
• Appointments
• In Memoriam

• ‘Let us all say: enough … Stop the War!’

On 5 March, the second day of the Spring General Meeting, the bishops published the following statement calling for an urgent and complete ceasefire in Gaza, and an immediate end to the daily horror of killing, wounding and destruction of property in the Holy Land: https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2024/03/05/let-us-all-say-enough-stop-the-war-irish-bishops/

 

Bishops invite the faithful to join them in praying the Rosary and in offering an extra Lenten sacrifice for a complete ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, and for a safe return of all hostages.  The bishops encouraged people to be generous in supporting Trócaire and other agencies in bringing relief to those impacted by war and violence at this time.

•  Welcoming the return of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly

Bishops discussed the return of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive on 3 February, and congratulated the First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and all other ministers, on their appointment to office.  During their discussions, bishops reflected on the urgency of action to address some of the key issues facing people in Northern Ireland at present, especially in the areas of health and social services, education, housing and homelessness.  These social policy issues are in addition to the continuing journey of reconciliation, peace and the building of sustainable relationships across the island of Ireland, and between this island and Britain.  Bishops prayed for the success of the new administration in serving the common good.

 

For their part, bishops again noted the duty of Christians to read the signs of the time and interpret them in the light of the Gospel.  Bishops assured political leaders of their commitment to ongoing dialogue and reflection on how everyone can contribute positively to the building of a future for Ireland that is founded on peace and justice, hope and light. 

• Immigration and integration: “through encounter, we will all be enriched”

Bishops discussed how Ireland welcomes immigrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. Once again, bishops expressed their gratitude to the many people in communities across the country, including those in parishes, schools and religious communities, who are doing exceptional work in extending the hand of friendship to people who have had to escape from war and oppression or for reasons of economic necessity.  Bishops expressed the hope that through encounter, we will all be enriched by the presence and contributions of new people to our society and Church.  In that regard, bishops restated that racism – whether online or on our streets – is always wrong and sinful, and should have no part in Irish life.

 

Bishops also expressed the need for greater efforts to integrate people coming to Ireland into our communities and that Government and those with responsibility need to do more to fulfil their commitment to integration.  In doing so there is a need to work actively with local communities so that the needs of all, especially housing, be addressed in a meaningful way.

 

Catholic communities throughout the country are playing their part in this work of integration. Each diocese has appointed a Diocesan Liaison Person for Immigrants, and these will meet for the first time at a national level later this week.  A number of initiatives are being put forward at present to support parishes and schools in becoming places of sanctuary – places that embrace all people and promote a culture of welcome and inclusiveness so that people will feel safe and have opportunities to be involved in the life of the parish and school community.  In addition, orientation programmes for incoming priests and religious are being organised with a view to learning and sharing experiences and furthering integration through the provision of pastoral and spiritual care for all people in our parishes.  Other areas, such as the potential for the Church at local level to be part of the Irish Red Cross community sponsorship programme for housing families, are also under consideration.

• Highest homeless figures and plight of rough sleepers necessitate immediate action

Bishops noted the latest data from the Department of Housing (23 February) that the number of homeless people in the State has climbed to a new high of 13,531, including over 4,000 children.  Bishops support the call of voluntary agencies on Government to invest the resources needed to address a preventable situation, which can have a lifelong impact on young people.

 

However, these latest figures do not include the numbers of people who are sleeping rough, or of homeless asylum seekers.  Bishops said, “We pray for the plight of vulnerable people who are homeless, or sleeping rough, in our cities and towns, that they may secure accommodation and a life with basic dignity.  We pray for everyone – wherever they have come from, and whatever their circumstances – forced to live along the streets with little or no protection from the elements or from anti-social behaviour.  People in need remind us of our duty before God to welcome and shelter those that require our help.  As Pope Francis said during his 2018 visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families: ‘in God’s house, there is a place at table for everyone.’”

 

Bishops expressed their deep gratitude to all volunteers and staff who work to help and protect those forced to live on the streets, including the many Church-based groups, and expressed the hope that the Government would give emphasis to the dignity of every human person in its commitment to addressing the crisis.

 

Northern Ireland

Bishops noted that the social housing waiting lists in Northern Ireland are now totalling more than 45,000 people, with over 2,500 people in an acute state of homelessness.  Additionally, the cuts in funding to community groups over recent years have also negatively affected the capacity of many such groups working to assist people in need of housing.

• Update on the progress of the Irish Synodal Pathway and of the Universal Synodal Assembly

Bishops discussed the progress of the Irish Synodal Pathway, and of the Universal Synod:



Irish Synodal Pathway

The Irish Synodal Pathway continues to evolve and has made significant progress in advancing its ambition to hold its first synodal assembly in the Autumn of 2025.  Regional meetings held in January assisted dioceses and groups in the formation of Diocesan Synodal Teams for the pathway and provided resources for the ongoing work at local level, including a video resource outlining the journey so far (link to video – https://synod.ie/resources/videos/).  Further regional meetings, scheduled for late April with the Diocesan Synodal Teams, will also initiate discussions on the theme/question for the first assembly of the Irish Synodal Pathway.

 

A leadership training programme has been created and is currently being delivered in six locations around the country.  This pilot programme is a direct result of the independent research conducted in March 2023, see https://synod.ie/research-report-for-training/.  Dioceses and groups that participated in the earlier stages of the Universal Synod nominated candidates for the programme.  Participants include lay men, lay women, priests, bishops, religious brothers and sisters from varying ministries and professional backgrounds, both employed and voluntary.  Pre and post evaluation of the programme will determine a greater rollout of the programme and any adaptations it may require.

 

The two-year term of the National Steering Committee ended in September 2023.  A new National Synodal Team, tasked with overseeing the next two years of the Irish Synodal Pathway, will now be formed.

 

Universal Synodal Assembly

The Catholic Church in Ireland has been actively engaged in preparations for the next stage of the Universal Synodal Assembly, which is scheduled to take place from 2 to 27 October this year in the Vatican.  Dioceses, religious congregations, movements and associations have been responding to the call for deeper reflection on the theme ‘How can we be a synodal Church in mission?’  Building upon the previous listening and consultation stages of the Universal Synod, those attending local consultations have been encouraged to envision a Church whereby the mission of the people of God is enhanced by all the baptised members of the Church taking responsibility for the mission in different ways.  They have also been invited to share testimonies and examples of effective synodal practices within their respective communities.

 

The responses will be gathered by 25 March for the preparation of a ten page document for the universal process.  In the spirit of circularity – which has been used throughout the synodal process in Ireland – this draft submission will be presented for regional feedback in late April and in collaboration with the Bishops’ Conference, will culminate in a final submission to the Secretariat of the Synod in Rome by 15 May next.

• Let your voice be heard in the Constitutional referendums on ‘Family’ and ‘Care’

Bishops said, “This Friday, 8 March, the public will be asked to vote on two referendums concerning Article 41 of Bunreacht na hÉireann Constitution of Ireland, specifically relating to provisions on the Family, and on Care.  Supporting family and motherhood is core to the mission of the Church. 



“We encourage everyone who has the right to exercise their democratic franchise on Friday, to do so, and let your voice be heard.  As pastors, concerned for the common good as well as the moral and spiritual well-being of God’s people, we have published the following reflection to help inform the consciences of Christians and others who are concerned to preserve and foster the dignity and value of family life and motherhood.” 

 https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2024/02/25/irish-catholic-bishops-conference-statement-on-the-family-and-care-referendums/

• Trócaire’s Lenten campaign on the impact of the global climate crisis on Malawians

Bishops expressed their gratitude to Father Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator SJ, Dean of Theology at Santa Clara University, who delivered this year’s Lenten Trócaire lecture on 5 March on: Climate Justice and Catholic Social Teaching: ‘Everything is connected’ and ‘No one is saved alone’ (Laudate Deum, 19), in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  Father Orobator stated, “While we all face the same atmospheric challenges, we know that we are definitely not in the same boat.  If there is one truth that Catholic Social Teaching has made clear, it is that climate change affects people and communities unequally.”

 

Trócaire’s 2024 Lenten appeal

Bishops encouraged families and individuals to support the Trócaire 2024 Lenten campaign, which is appealing to communities and parishes across Ireland to support and pray for the world’s most vulnerable who continue to pay the price for the global climate crisis.  Trócaire estimates that, unchecked, climate change is set to push up to 132 million people into poverty over the next ten years. 

 

This year’s ‘Trócaire Box’ is highlighting climate crisis as the cause of real poverty in the Global South and is highlighting Malita, a mother of six in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world that has suffered the impact of both drought and flooding, often in the same year.  Repeated cyclones and weather extremes have left nearly 2.3 million people with limited access to food and more than 3.8 million (20% of population) facing critical food insecurity.  The contrasting variables of too little or too much water has had a detrimental effect on farming for Malita and her family.  The campaign is inspired by the words of shepherd turned prophet Amos, ‘Let Justice Flow like a River, Righteousness Like a Never Failing Stream’ (Amos 5:24).

 

In walking the journey of Lent 2024 with Malita and her family in Malawi, we in Ireland are deepening our awareness of the inequality in our world, which is exacerbated by the climate crisis.  It is countries like Malawi that are most vulnerable to climate change, yet they contribute least to global warming.  Local people suffer ‘loss and damage’ due to climate change that goes beyond what they can adapt to.  Ireland, as a member of the industrialised world, can address this inequality by making real financial commitments to a Loss & Damage Fund agreed at the recent COP27 and COP28.  While COP28 agreed to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels, it is action to do so that is now required urgently.

 

The Trócaire Lenten Resources for parishes are entitled, Nurturing our Family Faith in Nature, and these offer the opportunity for families to make connections between beautiful places of nature, the Scriptures, as well as the texts of Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum.  It is a resource consisting of four (4) sixty (60) minute sessions that can be used at any time of the year to enable families to engage with the issue of climate justice using images, discussion and prayer leading to family action.  It is an invitation to return to nature, engage with other families and encourages a broadening of concern and influence with God’s help so as move to practical actions for social justice.

 

Trócaire’s programmes support communities to access safe water through the construction of water supply schemes; to sustainably manage their natural resources through agroforestry, soil and water conservation; to increase their access to food through supporting training in improved climate resilient agricultural practises and facilitating access to seeds and planting materials; and to support women’s empowerment by providing training and support to female community leaders.  

 

To find out more about the Lenten appeal or make a donation visit Trócaire.org or by phone 1800 408 408 (RoI) and 0800 912 1200 (NI).

• Laudato Si’: actions to care for creation

Initiative on 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030

In March 2023 the Bishop’s Conference agreed that parishes would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030.  This is a response to the biodiversity crisis our world is facing, the call of Laudato Si’ issued by Pope Francis and the agreements made at the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15).  In order to assist with its implementation in parishes, a recording of a ‘Return to Nature Webinar’ is available as a helpful resource.  This recording involved Kate Chandler of the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Barry O’Loughlin, Clare County Council Biodiversity Officer.  Please see this link:  https://vimeo.com/905125930?share=     The password is: biodiversity.



Meeting with Minister Eamon Ryan

Bishops were advised that the Laudato Si’ Working Group (LSWG) held an online meeting with Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Environment, Climate Action, Communications and Transport, on 16 February last.  The purpose of the meeting was to identify how local faith groups can help address environmental issues and work together with State agencies on a clear path to ensure a healthy and safe world.  The meeting was constructive and Minister Ryan was presented with the distinctive contribution of faith-communities and the spiritual and moral frameworks they offer in caring for the integrity of creation.  The LSWG highlighted the commitment of the Irish Bishops to restoring 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030, and requested access to grants for parish groups as well as the support of Climate Action / Biodiversity Officers to faith communities.  Minister Ryan responded positively to the 30% initiative and acknowledged that the Church has a key role in promoting climate justice and referenced the publications of Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum in this regard.  Minister Ryan praised the generous roles of Trócaire and the Irish missionary tradition, and spoke of possibilities for Church and State collaboration on climate issues.  He emphasised the importance of transition to clean energy, the plight of poorer countries who cannot yet afford that transition, and of his hopes for progress at COP29 in Brazil on climate finance in order to undo injustice done, in particular, to vulnerable countries in Africa

• Special prayerful moment at Mass on Saint Patrick’s Day for world peace

Bishops prayed for the safety and wellbeing of all of our emigrants, and especially for the young people who have left the island in recent times to live and work abroad.  Bishops welcomed that the celebration of Mass on Saint Patrick’s Day will be broadcast by RTÉ television and radio at 11.00am Ireland time, and by the 112 member network of the European Broadcasting Union of public service media at 10.00am Ireland time.  The chief celebrant will be Father Diarmuid Hogan, concelebrant Father Charlie Sweeney, and the Mass will be transmitted from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oranmore, Diocese of Galway. 

 

As we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, bishops also encourage everyone to unite in prayer for peace.  Given the importance of the national feast day, bishops ask parishes to reach out in a special way to people from around the world who have come to live within our communities, and to extend greetings of prayerful support and solidarity at this time.  

• #Lent2024 and preparation for Holy Week and Easter

In preparation for Easter Sunday, which falls on 31 March this year, bishops reflected on Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2024, wherein the Holy Father invites the faithful to “pause” for prayer and to assist our brothers and sisters in need, in order to change our own lives and the lives of our communities.  Bishops encourage all people of goodwill to read Pope Francis’ short Lenten message on the theme: Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom available here: Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2024

 

The faithful are invited to follow the #Lent2024 daily digital message, presented succinctly on the main social media platforms by Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe.

• Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood 2023 – 2024

Bishops prayed for vocations and discussed the ongoing Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood, on the theme ‘Take the Risk for Christ’, and which will run until Good Shepherd Sunday on 21 April. 

 

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, chairman of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, advised the Bishops’ Conference on the latest initiative of the Year for Vocation which will involve the visit of the Prefect of the Dicastery for Clergy, Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-Sik, to the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock, Archdiocese of Tuam, later this week.  At their gathering, Cardinal Heung-Sik will address Ireland’s vocations directors and seminarians on the beauty and sacrifice of priesthood, and on promoting priestly vocations.

• Appointments

Bishops offered their congratulations and prayerful blessing to Father Donal Roche, whom Pope Francis appointed yesterday as Titular Bishop of Cell Ausaille and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

• In Memoriam

Bishops prayed for the happy repose of the souls of Bishop Patrick Walsh, Bishop-Emeritus of Down and Connor (RIP 28 December 2023); Bishop William Lee, Bishop-Emeritus of  Waterford and Lismore (RIP 5 January 2024); Father Gerry French SSC, Member of the Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants (RIP 12 December 2023); and, Father Peter Rodgers OFMCap, former Provincial of the Irish Province of the Capuchins, and former secretary general of the Conference of Religious of Ireland (RIP 22 December 2023).  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha dilís.

 

ENDS