By Sean O’Leary, Pastoral Development Officer, Diocese of Ferns

As we mark the completion of the first year of the Diploma in Pastoral Ministry in the Diocese of Ferns, our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and hope. This milestone is a testament to the vibrant faith, dedication and collaborative spirit of our aspiring lay ministers (pictured above) and the generous support of our clergy and parishioners. Together, we are sowing seeds of renewal, fostering a deeper encounter between faith and contemporary culture in our diocese.

The Diploma in Pastoral Ministry, a programme offered in partnership with the Pontifical University, Maynooth, is equipping lay men and women with the theological foundation, practical skills and reflective capacity to serve as pastoral ministers. Over the past year, our learners have journeyed through a rich curriculum, balancing core theological subjects, stream-specific skills (Pastoral Care or Catechetics) and reflective practice through ministry placements. This holistic formation is preparing them to live out their call to Christian discipleship with wisdom, compassion and courage.

Thanksgiving for Our Lay Ministers

The aspiring lay ministers of Ferns have embraced this programme with inspiring commitment. Over eight residential weekends at Maynooth and through monthly Theological Reflection Groups organized locally, they have immersed themselves in the study of scripture, theology, liturgy, sacraments and human flourishing. From exploring the Trinitarian foundations of our faith to engaging with the Gospels vivid portraits of Jesus, they have grown in their ability to articulate and share the beauty of our faith.

Their placements, whether in Pastoral Care or Faith Formation, have been a powerful space for putting faith into action. From visiting the elderly or vulnerable to leading liturgies or supporting teachers and families in faith formation, these ministers are becoming the hands and feet of Christ in our parishes. Their reflective practice, guided by the wisdom of peer groups and pastoral mentors, has helped them discern God’s presence in their ministry and respond to the needs of our communities with empathy and skill.

We give thanks for their commitment, their willingness to step forward as volunteers, and their openness to growth. Their efforts embody the synodal vision of the Church, where lay people and priests collaborate to build a vibrant, mission-driven community. As they prepare for their second year, we hold them in prayer, confident that their formation will continue to bear fruit for our diocese.

Joy and Gratitude for Our Clergy’s Generosity

None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our clergy in the Diocese of Ferns. Their generosity in embracing this new development has been a source of immense joy. By encouraging and accompanying our lay ministers, they have fostered a culture of collaboration that reflects the Second Vatican Council’s vision of the Church as a communion of disciples. Their guidance in parishes, their openness to shared ministry, and their commitment to nurturing lay leadership are

helping to shape a diocese where all members – ordained and lay – work together to proclaim the Gospel.

Our clergy’s support goes beyond logistics; it is a profound act of faith in the Spirit’s work among us. They have welcomed lay ministers into parish life, mentored them in their placements and celebrated their growth as partners in mission. This spirit of accompaniment is a living example of what it means to be a missionary Church, journeying together in service of God’s people.

Hope for the Future

As we look ahead to the second year of the programme, our hope is anchored in the promise of continued growth and renewal. The Diploma in Pastoral Ministry is not just about acquiring knowledge or skills; it is about forming disciples who can meet the challenges of today’s world with faith, creativity and compassion. Whether supporting grieving families, facilitating faith formation or fostering liturgies that draw people closer to God, our lay ministers are becoming beacons of hope in our communities.

The Diocese of Ferns is on a journey of transformation, and this programme is a vital part of that mission. With the continued support of our clergy and good people of the diocese as well as the dedication of our lay ministers, we are building a Church that listens, serves and walks together. We trust that the Holy Spirit, who has guided us through this first year, will continue to lead us into a future where faith flourishes, communities are strengthened and the love of Christ shines brightly.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

With gratitude and joy, we celebrate this first year and look forward to the continued growth of pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Ferns. Let us keep walking together, with thanksgiving in our hearts and hope for the journey ahead.

As we give thanks for this milestone, let us pray:

Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of this Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and for the men and women who have answered your call to serve. We praise you for the generosity of our clergy and the hope that burns brightly in our diocese. Guide our lay ministers as they continue their formation, and bless our Church with unity, courage and love. May all we do bring glory to your name. Amen.