Easter Message from the Church Leaders Group (Ireland)

A joint message for Easter 2022 agreed collectively by the five Church Leaders at their meeting in Armagh:

On Good Friday when Jesus was crucified, we are told in the Gospel that darkness covered the whole earth. Our world this Holy Week is overshadowed with the darkness of war and conflict in Ukraine. We have witnessed through the media, the murder and mutilation of innocent civilians, the destruction of homes, shops and hospitals, and the displacement of millions of people. Families, who a matter of months ago were getting on with their everyday lives, are now literally walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

We stand united as Church Leaders in Ireland, with a message of support for the people of Ukraine. As we did when faced with conflict here in our own land, we call for people to pray for peace, to reach out to support the injured and bereaved, and to do all that they can to help and support the victims of unnecessary suffering. We recommit ourselves and our churches to do all that we can to help our sisters and brothers in their hour of need; and call on all world leaders and people of influence to work ever harder to find a way to restore peace, bring about reconciliation and healing. We pray too that those who are intent on war, whose hearts are filled with hatred, may be transformed by the love of God.

During the last two years we have witnessed people coming together in support of one another to fight in a very different battle, against a microscopic virus. People adopted different forms of mitigation and made sacrifices to protect their neighbour from Covid–19. Our journey with coronavirus has taught us much and thankfully there are good signs of recovery. We are conscious too that for many the effects of the virus continue. Many have been very ill, others have suffered the pain of bereavement without family and friends being able to gather for the funeral, others live with the effects of the last two years on mental health or economic circumstances. We have all learnt much about our vulnerability and the fragile nature of human life.

May the Easter message of hope, found in the risen Christ, who banished the darkness and rose victorious in the light of a new dawn, be heard, and realised in Ukraine. May God’s healing grace rest upon the world, its peoples and all who are suffering; and may the unconditional love of God be known, realised and shared, here and everywhere, now and in the days to come.

The Most Revd Eamon Martin

Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

The Most Revd John McDowell

Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

The Rt Revd Dr David Bruce

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

The Revd Dr Sahr Yambasu

President of the Methodist Church in Ireland

The Rt Revd Andrew Forster

President of the Irish Council of Churches

Archbishop Eamon Martin invites people to join Pope Francis in consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

• Pope Francis to lead the Act of Consecration in the Vatican within a service beginning at 4pm Irish time, see www.vaticannews.va
• Catholics in Ireland to join Pope Francis in prayer from cathedrals and parishes
• Special Collection for Ukraine to take place at Masses across Ireland this weekend

Tomorrow, Friday 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Pope Francis will lead a ceremony of prayer in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to consecrate and entrust Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In welcoming the Act of Consecration, Archbishop Eamon Martin invites the faithful and all people of goodwill to join with religious, clergy and bishops to pray for peace on this solemn occasion. 

Archbishop Martin said, “The Catholic Church in Ireland will join wholeheartedly with Pope Francis to pray a solemn Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  In pastoral leadership, Pope Francis will unite the universal Church in prayer for peace and asks us to do so from our homes, churches, cathedrals, and Marian sanctuaries.  Together, with the bishops of Ireland, I invite everyone to join in this powerful global act of prayerful solidarity for peace in the world, and especially between Russia and Ukraine.

“I wish to assure the Archbishops in Ukraine that the thoughts and prayers of the people of Ireland are with them, and their people, in the midst of the horrific turmoil impacting their country.  It is heartening to hear that the clergy of Ukraine are continuing to celebrate Mass and the sacraments on the streets and in the bunkers and shelters, doing their best to bring to their fearful people the love and compassion of Christ.

“One reality of the terror in Ukraine is that we can never take peace for granted.  The appalling scenes of suffering compel us to always work for peace, pray for peace and make sacrifices for peace.”

Archbishop Martin concluded, “I ask everyone to generously support the Special Collection for Ukraine which will take place at Masses across the country this weekend.”

Today, on the vigil of the Feast day of Saint Patrick, the Catholic Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin, and the Church of Ireland Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop John McDowell, led the annual Saint Patrick’s lecture and discussion organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh. The Annual lecture and discussion reflects on how the witness of Saint Patrick speaks into our contemporary world. This year’s theme was: Saint Patrick as a model for reconciliation and peace. Following this event, the archbishops met with assembled media to deliver their Saint Patrick’s Day message and to express concern about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Message

Like millions of others in Europe and around the world we are deeply disturbed and saddened by the terror of war which has been devastating life and property in Ukraine for the past three weeks. We call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the relentless bombardment which has trapped countless civilians in a nightmare of destruction and displaced millions of others from their homes and families. We fear that the humanitarian crisis which this madness has caused may yet accelerate before it dissipates.

It would be unconscionable for us to celebrate the feast of Saint Patrick this year without offering the solidarity of our prayers, charity and welcome for the people of Ukraine. We pray for the Ukrainian people who already share this island with us, and for their families and friends who are trapped in the horror of destruction and bloodshed at home. We join our small Lenten sacrifices with their immense suffering. We also acknowledge the many Russian people, here and in their homeland, who bear no responsibility for this heart-breaking situation and who share our desire for peace and an end to this terrible violence.

Tradition tells us that Saint Patrick himself, in the face of great danger and peril to his own life, prayed his Breastplate Prayer, taking comfort in his faith that God does not forsake us, and that Christ is present with all who suffer: Christ is always with us, behind us and before us. We appeal through our prayers this Saint Patrick’s Day for an end to this pointless massacre and pulverising of the property, bodies and spirit of the Ukrainian people. May all Christians of Europe, including Patriarch Kirill and the Russian Orthodox Church, unite in daily spiritual and practical efforts in support of a ceasefire, humanitarian outreach and the immediate laying down of weapons. Christ’s cause can only be advanced by Christ’s means.

Although we are many miles away from the horrific bombardment and loss of life, the sacrifice of the Ukrainian people shockingly comes home to us this Saint Patrick’s Day. It is encouraging that Christians, people of other faiths and all those of goodwill here in Ireland are instinctively reaching out in a massive humanitarian effort of support and solidarity, especially towards the millions of refugees who have fled their homeland. At a young age Saint Patrick was captured and trafficked to these shores – no doubt frightened, disoriented, distressed and fearful for his life. In the opening words of his Confession, he describes how he and others “were scattered among many nations”.

So too the thousands of refugees arriving in Ireland must feel scattered amongst the nations. We pray that our land of welcomes will continue to offer compassionate respite to our sisters and brothers in their time of need. This is the light of the Gospel shining through the darkness: the outpouring of prayer, charity and solidarity across Ireland towards the people of Ukraine has been heartening. Many individuals and parish communities have already been extremely generous in establishing active links with charitable projects in Ukraine and along its borders to support refugees and those remaining in their homeland. We wholeheartedly support and encourage these efforts.

We also encourage Christians in Ireland, and our diaspora, to be inspired by the life and witness of Saint Patrick to be reconcilers and peacemakers. It is poignant to think that as the world comes out of a global pandemic which reminded us so strongly of our connectedness and interdependence, that our continent has so easily lapsed into the pointless divisions and devastation of warfare. War is a defeat for humanity. It represents the failure of politics, diplomacy and dialogue.

Our community reflection here in Ireland on what is happening today in Europe should help us learn lessons for our own peace process, about the importance of never taking our progress in peace for granted, never giving up on dialogue and the building of bridges and mutual understanding across historical divides. The tragedy of what we are witnessing in Ukraine during these days impels us again here in Ireland to work for a genuine human fraternity as the only way to resolve differences and conflicts.

For all the people of Ukraine we pray Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer:

Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ within me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ at my right, Christ at my left,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me. Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ within me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ at my right, Christ at my left,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Archbishop Eamon Martin comments on today’s public apology to survivors of historical institutional abuse

Today is a day that belongs to survivors.  It is also an opportunity for everyone, in Church and society, to express our sincere admiration for all survivors of institutional abuse who have uncovered the enormity of harshness and brutality that they experienced.  The courage, perseverance and determination of survivors has helped bring to light the truth about what happened in the past and ensure that lessons are learned so that these awful things are prevented from happening again. 

On behalf of the Catholic Church in Ireland,  I repeat today my unreserved apology to all those who suffered from their horrific experience in Church-run institutions, and to their loved ones.  Today is a day of mixed emotions for them.  Their reactions to today’s apologies must be heard and respected.  Words are not enough and will never undo the harm that has been caused.  

As a Church leader, I am truly sorry that such abuse occurred in Catholic institutions which often failed to show the face of Christ to children and young people who were much in need of love and care.  Jesus had a particular care for little children, for the poor, and for those who were on the margins of society.  Jesus asked His followers to reach out in tenderness and mercy, especially to those who were vulnerable and who felt rejected.  Looking back, there is no doubt that many in positions of leadership within the Church did not live up to the Gospel message by their failure to intervene, or to prevent the circumstances which led to physical, sexual and emotional abuse of the “little ones”, so beloved of Christ.  The misuse of power and status within the Church; the prevailing culture of judgement, guilt and shame surrounding sexuality; and, a lack of Christian empathy and compassion towards the poor and those less fortunate, blinded many in the Church to the shocking neglect, sins and crimes being perpetrated in their midst.  Shame on us.

It is totally understandable that those abused may find it hard to forgive or be reconciled with the Church.  That is why we must do everything we can to demonstrate that we are serious about making reparation for the sins and crimes of the past.  We must also continue to implement best practice in safeguarding of children and others at risk of harm today.  All of us, in positions of leadership within Catholic dioceses and religious congregations, must continue to engage in a constructive manner to ensure that the findings and recommendations of Sir Anthony Hart’s Report will not be forgotten, and that survivors of abuse will continue to be supported into the future.

Statement of the Spring 2022 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered in-person this week for their Spring 2022 General Meeting at 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.

During their meeting bishops prayed for people who died from Covid-19 during the global pandemic, and their bereaved, as well as for families and loved ones who have suffered due to the restrictions placed on funeral rites and attendance. 

The main issues discussed by the bishops during their Spring General Meeting included:

• Praying for the people of Ukraine and for peace and relief from the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion
• Synodal Pathway
• New Lay Ministries of Lector, Acolyte and Catechist
• Welcoming a return to full public worship
• Trócaire’s Lenten appeal in support of impoverished people in Zimbabwe
• Safeguarding children in the Catholic Church
• Reconfiguration of patronage at primary-school level
• Lent and preparation for Holy Week and Easter
• International Women’s Day
• Appointments
• Praying for peace and for the people of Ukraine, and offering practical relief from the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion

Bishops prayed for the people of Ukraine and all those impacted by the horrific bombardment, death, displacement and destruction in their country.  Bishops heard reports on the outpouring of solidarity and support from individuals, parishes and communities to the people of Ukraine living here, and in their homeland.  Bishops made an appeal to all Christians, including Patriarch Kirill and the Russian Orthodox Church, to join in daily spiritual and practical efforts in support of a ceasefire, humanitarian outreach and the immediate laying down of weapons. 

 Welcome

The bishops stated, “At this time of trial, we want to stand in prayerful and practical solidarity with the Ukrainian community here in Ireland and also to acknowledge the many Russians in our midst who bear no responsibility for this tragic situation.  What we are witnessing during these days impels us again to appeal for diplomacy and dialogue – to work for a genuine human fraternity – as the only way to resolve differences and conflicts.  As tens of thousands of refugees arrive in Ireland in the near future, there is no doubt that the Gospel is calling on us to open our hearts and our homes.  We welcome the waiving of visa requirements for Ukrainians seeking refuge in Ireland and in other EU countries.  The Northern Bishops, in particular, also call upon the UK Government to prioritise the rights and dignity of all Ukrainians who seek refuge in Northern Ireland.  In order to help Ukrainians recover from the trauma and violent displacement that they have experienced, we encourage everyone to welcome refugees in a sensitive and compassionate manner.  We ask all parish communities to give serious consideration to ways in which refugees can be accommodated and integrated while with us.” 

During its meeting, the Bishops’ Conference made contact with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to seek advice on how dioceses and parishes may best pledge support for the Government’s plan to accommodate refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Charitable outreach including a national collection

Already millions of people have been forced to flee their homes as refugees.  It is a source of inspiration that people all over Ireland are responding with customary generosity to support humanitarian efforts in this crisis.  Many parish communities have already established links with charitable projects to support refugees and those remaining in Ukraine.  Recognising these urgent needs, the bishops are asking that a special collection be taken up at all Masses on the weekend of Sunday 27 March.  People are also invited to support the charitable initiatives of Aid to the Church in Need, the Jesuit Refugee Service, and Trócaire.  Trócaire is currently responding to the crisis through its partners Caritas Ukraine and Caritas Poland which have a strong presence in the region and can use resources strategically to the greatest effect.

Prayer

The bishops stated, “This invasion and aggression reminds us of the fragility of peace, even in Europe, a place that has experienced peace for much of the past seven decades.  It is we as the people of Europe, together with the wider world, who must shape history at this crucial moment in time.  The inspiration that informed the foundation of the various European institutions and organisations after World War II was peace and the development of economic, social and cultural ties.  There is a crying need for the renewal of the ‘soul of Europe’ which must be based on the spiritual sources and roots which inspired those post-war developments.”

The bishops expressed support for the many prayer initiatives for peace in recent days.  Given the importance of the national feast of Saint Patrick, they invited parishes to reach out on that day in a special way to the Ukrainian people living in Ireland and around the world, sending greetings of prayer and solidarity to them in this time of anguish.  At the ‘sign of peace’ at Mass on that day, and for the remainder of Lent, bishops ask priests to call for peace in the world and especially in Ukraine and, after a moment of silence, to invite everyone to offer a gesture or greeting of peace (without the handshake), holding in prayer all who are caught up in this conflict:

Prayer for the People of Ukraine

Loving God,

We pray for the people of Ukraine,

For all those suffering or afraid,

that you will be close to them and protect them.

We pray for world leaders,

for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.

We pray for the world; that in this moment of crisis,

we may reach out in solidarity

to our brothers and sisters in need.

May we walk in your ways

so that peace and justice

become a reality for the people of Ukraine

and for all the world.

Amen.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us!

• Synodal Pathway

Bishops were encouraged to hear of how the Synodal pathway is gaining momentum in parishes and expressed thanks to the Steering Committee and Task Group for their generous commitment.  A network of local listening sessions is now underway across Ireland in response to the invitation for synodal conversations during this first year of the Irish Synodal Pathway, and this coincides with the Universal Synodal Pathway launched by Pope Francis. 

There is a growing awareness and engagement in the process.  Now that the social restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic have been lifted, bishops see Lent as an ideal timeframe for individuals and parishes, religious orders, ecclesial movements and others groups to focus on the Synodal Pathway, so as to reach out also in creative ways to hear the stories and views of those who might not normally be in Church circles.

Some dioceses have already received many written submissions around this year’s themes: as people of faith, how are we journeying together?  How are we reaching out to others?  After Easter, on the basis of the Synodal conversations, each diocese will be preparing a ten-page synthesis.  The Synod Task Group will shortly be meeting with Synod Diocesan Delegates to offer some direction and support in preparing the synthesis. 

A National Synodal event will be held on 18 June next to discern the themes that are to be forwarded from Ireland to the Universal Synodal pathway.  In the meantime, bishops welcome Pope Francis’ encouragement of the formal institution of new ministries in the life of the Church.  Bishops recognise how the ministries of lector, acolyte and catechist – open to women and to men – will open up new forms of institutional leadership in the Church in Ireland.  A task group has been established to explore how best to shape the identity, formation and mission of such ministries in Ireland – see next section.

• New Lay Ministries of Lector, Acolyte and Catechist

The Bishops reflected on the call of Pope Francis for the development of expanded lay ministry in the Church. In particular they welcomed the establishment by the Pope of the instituted Lay Ministries of Lector, Acolyte and Catechist.  These Ministries include a focus on the Word of God, the Church’s Liturgy and Eucharist, and leading in, and teaching the faith.  Pope Francis has stated that the establishment of these Ministries reflects the “urgency being ever more felt today to rediscover the co-responsibility of all the baptised in the Church, and the mission of the laity in a particular way.” 

In their discussions the bishops recognised that these Ministries provide significant opportunities for wider involvement of lay men and women in service and leadership in the Church, as well as having the potential to support ordained Ministries in a complementary and collaborative way.  It is hoped that, as the Synodal Pathway in the Irish Church progresses, the development of these Ministries in the life of the Church will benefit from reflection and discernment.

In relation to the Ministry of Catechist, the Bishops decided to establish a working group, including Bishops, priests, and lay people, to reflect on the establishment and development of this Ministry in Ireland. The group will work in conjunction with the Bishops’ Council for Catechetics.

• Welcoming a return to full public worship

Bishops stated, “As the remaining Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, it is encouraging to see a return to full public worship in our parishes, and the resumption of all aspects of Church and community life.  At the heart of the life of our parish communities is the Sunday Mass.  When we gather for the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day, we do so to express our joy in the Risen Lord and to unite with our brothers and sisters in the Church in thanksgiving and praise to God.  This is a communal celebration which shapes us as a community of faith, life and charity.

“We pray in the Mass that it is ‘indeed right and just, our duty and our salvation’ to give thanks to the Lord, and the Sunday Eucharist is our greatest act of thanksgiving.  During the Season of Lent, we encourage everyone to return to Sunday and weekday Mass in our churches, welcoming each other back as we gather once more together.  From Easter Sunday, 17 April, this will once again be deemed an essential expression of faith for all in our Church in Ireland.  As always, those whose health is vulnerable or who are unwell will not be under any obligation to attend Mass, and should keep themselves safe and pray at home until they are better.

“In the coming days and weeks parishes will continue to gradually lift the restrictions and mitigations which were introduced during the pandemic.  We should however remain sensitive and respectful (by way of responsible social distancing and optional wearing of masks) towards those who may still feel vulnerable or anxious.  For example, it is good especially in these troubled times, to invite people at the ‘Sign of Peace’ to make a gesture or greeting of peace to the people around them, rather than the traditional handshake.

“We remain grateful to all those who risked their lives and made sacrifices in hospitals and other settings to keep us safe during the pandemic.  We appreciate the commitment of priests who continued to minister the sacraments to the best of their ability, notwithstanding the risk this posed to their own life and health.  In doing so, priests gave powerful witness to the faith.  We also give thanks for the many people in our parishes who worked so hard to maintain our worship and parish life in the safest way possible.  We keep in our prayers all who have been impacted in any way during the pandemic, especially the bereaved.  As civil commemorations are planned in Ireland for the weekend of the 18 – 20 March, with a National Day of Remembrance and Reflection on Sunday 20 March, we invite all in our parish communities to unite in spirit and in prayerful reflection.”

• Trócaire’s Lenten appeal in support of impoverished people in Zimbabwe

For Lent 2022 the Trócaire Lenten appeal continues its focus on East Africa and in particular the people of Zimbabwe and the devastating impact Covid-19 and climate change have had on the country.  Trócaire has been working in Zimbabwe since 1980 providing humanitarian aid and food security as well as work on women’s empowerment and human rights.

Families in Zimbabwe have been struggling with the triple challenges of Covid-19, climate change and a devastated economy which are exacerbating the daily struggles they face.  According to the World Food Programme, 63% of the Zimbabwean population of over 15 million live under the poverty-line.  Before the coronavirus outbreak, 7.7 million Zimbabweans faced food shortages after a drought and cyclone in 2019, and ongoing drought in the last year has exacerbated the situation.  This has been compounded by rampant inflation.

Trócaire, and partner Caritas Bulawayo, have been working closely with the community in the Matobo district in Southern Zimbabwe.  As Lent is the Christian season dedicated to prayer, fasting and charity, bishops ask people to pray for our sisters and brothers suffering in East Africa, and to give generously to this year’s campaign through the family’s Trócaire box and online on www.trocaire.org

• Safeguarding children in the Catholic Church

The bishops welcomed Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, newly-appointed chairperson, and Ms Teresa Devlin, chief executive of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, who advised the bishops on activities currently engaging the work of the Board.  This included the implementation of Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (You are the light of the world).  Bishops were also briefed on the Board’s revision of Safeguarding Children, Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland as well as on its one-year project to assist the Church in continuing to develop best practice in safeguarding vulnerable adults/adults at risk of harm, and guidance on supporting lay associations in safeguarding ministry.  The meeting was advised that the Board’s national conference will take place in May on the theme ‘Towards a theology of safeguarding’.

• Reconfiguration of patronage at primary-school level

During last summer’s General Meeting in June, bishops convened in their role as patrons and reaffirmed their commitment to the reconfiguration of patronage at primary school level, stating: “Bishops, as patrons, are committed to proactively engaging with the Department of Education in relation to reconfiguration of patronage and are supportive of an educational landscape which reflects the reality of the increasingly diverse society in our country.”

Since that time, representatives of the Catholic patrons continue to engage with officials in the Department of Education in relation to identifying a process that will ensure that school communities, who wish to explore a reconfiguration of patronage, can be fully supported in so doing.

The patrons understand that the Minister for Education will shortly announce a pilot process involving a number of towns who as yet do not have a primary school operating under a multi-denominational patron.  They await the Minister’s announcement and, as per last year’s summer statement, are fully committed to engaging with and supporting this initiative.

• Lent and preparation for Holy Week and Easter

Easter Sunday will be celebrated on 17 April.  Bishops reflected on the call to renewal in our Christian life which is a central part of our preparation for Easter.  Pope Francis reminds us that, as we journey through the season of Lent, “God never tires of forgiving us” (Evangelii Gaudium The Joy of the Gospel).  The faithful are asked to offer up their fasting, prayer, reading of Scripture and works of mercy during Lent for the grace of healing and renewal.  Bishops encourage the faithful to read Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2022https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/lent/documents/20211111-messaggio-quaresima2022.html on the theme Let us not grow tired of doing good.  People are also invited to follow this year’s #LivingLent digital media initiative which, each day, involves a short suggestion shared on Twitter @catholicbishops and on Instagram on prayer, fasting and charity in response to the Pope’s invitation not to let Lent pass in vain.

• International Women’s Day

The ‘Annual Trócaire/Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Lenten Lecture’ on the subject of ‘How women of faith are responding to the ecological crisis’ took place on International Women’s Day.  Contact[email protected] for more information on this subject.  Guest speakers were Dr Carmody Grey (Assistant Professor of Catholic Theology at Durham University) and Ms Lucy Vokihwa (chairperson of Catholic Women Association of Malawi), who delivered the keynote address: How women of faith are responding to the ecological crisis.

• Appointments

At Mass bishops prayed for a happy and healthy retirement for Bishop Brendan Kelly following the announcement on 11 February of his retirement as Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora.  Bishops congratulated Bishop Michael Duignan following his appointment on the same day by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora, while remaining in his pastoral leadership role as Bishop of Clonfert. 

The following Officers of the Conference were elected to serve a three-year term: President – Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh; Vice-President – Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin; Episcopal Secretary – Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam; and, Financial Secretary – Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns.