Bishop of Clogher, Larry Duffy has announced his intention to introduce lay funeral ministers who will be able to lead the liturgy when a coffin arrives at the church as well as the rite of committal at the grave side. This move is part of Bishop Duffy's plan to move from a model that is "clergy-dependent" to one where lay people are carrying out many of the roles traditionally performed by a priest. According to Bishop Duffy over the past few months, over 40 people from 12 parishes across the diocese have taken part in a formation course to enable them to accompany people and families at the time of bereavement.
Over the coming months they will continue their training and formation and be commissioned in their respective parishes to assist at funerals. Speaking on today's Joe Finnegan Show, journalist Sarah MacDonald said that the diocese of Clogher is not unique in this approach and credited Bishop Duffy for his "transparency" in dealing with this matter.
In a statement issued on behalf of Bishop Duffy across the diocese of Clogher, he said; "Other parishes have indicated a willingness to nominate people for a similar course in the Spring of next year. We are very grateful to all those who have come forward for the formation and training and to the priests of those parishes for their involvement. I ask people in those parishes which will experience this new ministry over the coming months to welcome the new lay funeral ministers and to prayerfully support them in their service. These ministers will be commissioned publicly to act in the name of the church within the parish community. Therefore, this is not a lessening of service to families and loved ones at the time of a death but, rather, a strengthening of the local parish commitment to accompany people at such a difficult and sensitive time."
