Pastoral Ministry in Changing Times: The Past, Present & Future of the Catholic Church in Ireland

This is an attempt by one practicing pastor in an Irish parish to understand the change that has come about in the life of the Catholic church in Ireland. He suggests that ecclesial change in Ireland is mainly a result of social and economic change and of the vastly increased influence of media, both mainstream and social. He also tries to find positive ways of coping with ecclesial and social change. In the first part of the book he describes the change itself, with some reflection on the factors that caused it. He considers the sacramental life of the church with specific reference to Mass-going and to the experience of going to confession, with some general reflections on the present state of liturgy in Ireland. He follows with an exploration of ordinary parish life, its priorities and pre-occupations, and of the variety of styles of being Catholic. Toward the end of the book, he discusses clergy morale and what nourishes it and what damages it. The book concludes with a look towards the future and what might be possible by way of renewal.