New pastoral area announced for County Waterford

A new Pastoral area has been announced in County Waterford.

At the Mass of the installation of the relic of St. Carlo Acutis in Ardfinnan, Bishop Alphonus Cullinan formally announced the unification of four parish communities under a single title: St. Carlo Acutis Parish Pastoral Area. 

Following discussions with the four parish councils involved it was agreed that the new pastoral area will incorporate the parishes of: Touraneena and The Nire, Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Grange, Newcastle and Fourmilewater.

Each parish will continue to maintain its own Parish Council and individual identity, however, the new structure will allow the parishes to work closer together in day-to-day administration and liturgical collaboration. 

A lot of progress has already been made over the course of the last three years thanks to the continued dedication of those who serve in these churches.

"This development will make it easier to coordinate the upkeep, pastoral care and liturgical life of the seven churches, ensuring a more unified and sustainable approach for the future," said one local. "We take this opportunity to thank our Parish and Finance Councils for their support and we look forward to continuing to grow together as a community, maintaining and celebrating the life of our local parishes and churches, now united under the patronage of St. Carlo Acutis."