President Mike Turner greets Bishop Patrick Rooke, with club member Leo Dolan (R) and Vice President Des Moore (L)

Coleraine Probus and the Church in the West of Ireland

Coleraine Probus had a fascinating and unique look into structure and daily life for the Church of Ireland in the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, when Bishop Patrick Rooke came to meet the club members. The Diocese where Patrick has been the Bishop for the last six years covers quite a large area, from Sligo down to Galway, with his home in Castlebar. There are 32 places of worship in the nine parishes that make up the diocese, and there are nine Curates to cover the pastoral work and services - with from two to five churches each, that's a pretty challenging workload. Patrick has his time split between his own diocese and about half the week spent in Dublin on Church and inter-faith work there.

The Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry

Patrick was brought up in a rectory, so he knew what to expect when he first became a Curate about 40 years ago. After his initial training he moved between a number of parishes in both the North and South of Ireland - 12 years of which were spent in Ballywillan, Portrush and at Agherton, Portstewart. There were quite a number of the Probus members that well remembered Bishop Patrick, and were pleased to welcome him 'back home' again, even if it was only for the morning.

Throughout the Republic of Ireland, only around 4% of the population are members of the Church of Ireland. When that is narrowed down to the West of Ireland, the number drops to about 0.5%. In fact, there are more members of the Muslim faith than there is C of I. For Bishop Patrick this isn't depressing statistic, overall the percentage of the population that are active in their different faiths is very high, and therefore a reason to rejoice that so many people are worshipping the same God. Inter-faith co-operation, discussion and working together is an everyday reality in the West of Ireland and not limited to a few select 'special' occasions that may be more likely else ware.

Location of Church buildings in the diocese

Working in the West of Ireland involves a lot of travelling, but Patrick doesn't see that negatively. He confessed that often the views are so beautiful, say in Connemara, he feels that he should pinch himself to make sure it is real, and realises he is actually getting paid for this work! Church congregations in the diocese are generally static and often 'older'. However there are areas where newcomers to Ireland are building up the numbers. For instance, in Galway there are a large number of African members of the church. These have brought a lot of new energy to the congregation, as well as a more flexible approach to timekeeping.

Bishop Patrick talked through a wide range of topics covering the work of the Church in the West of Ireland: the effect and scars of history that are still felt today (as in other parts of this island); the excellent relations forged with other faiths - in many areas the churches could not survive without the support and co-operation between the Catholic and C of I. Mission work; taking the church into the community, supporting immigrants; family welfare; mental health issues; drink problems. The diocese also supports a school in Keyna.

The future of the Church was another topic the Bishop discussed. Since the last part of the 20th Century 30 of the diocese churches have had to close, the buildings in ruins (removing the roof means no tax has to be paid) but the responsibility for the graveyards remains. This is a heavy toll on the Church finances. It is also likely that within the next 20 years, the number of full time Curates could fall from nine to four. Added to this the national government is moving towards greater secularism. Again, for the Bishop, this is not a situation to be feared, but one that offers a unique opportunity for freedom to develop new ways of communicating and inspiring people to the Church. Probus members were clearly inspired by the positive and inclusive message given by Bishop Patrick, and were certain that all Churches would have a strong future with that message as guidance.

For more information about the Diocese, just 'Click' the image below (this will open in a new window)

Places of Church of Ireland worship in the diocese:
St Mary's Cathedral, Tuam
St Crumnathy, Achonry Cathedral
Collegiate Church of St Nicholas
St Mary's Church, Cong
Skreen Parish Church
Ballymote Parish Church
St Anne's Church, Easkey
Straid Church, Foxford
Kilglass Parish Church
St Mary's Church, Crossmolina
St Michael's Church, Killmoremoy (Ballina)
St George's Church, Tubbercurry
St John the Baptist, Aasleagh
Holy Trinity, Westport
Christ Church, Castlebar
Turlough Church
St Thomas, Achill
Christ Church Clifden (Omey)
Roundstone Church
St Patrick's Church (Killala)
Holy Trinity, Errislannan
St Thomas, Ballynakill
Holy Trinity, Ballisodare
St Paul, Collooney
Killoran Church, Rathbaron (Tubbercurry Union)
Castleconnor Church, Kilanley
St Mary's Church, Kilmacshalgan Church, Drumore West
Kilcummin Church. Oughterard
St John's Church, Dunfeeny Ballycastle
Christ Church, Dromard (Skreen Union)