Press Releases11 Oct 11

An Interview with the new Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry

PH: How are you approaching your new role?
+P: I may now have my bishop’s crozier, cross and ring but what’s really needed in the Diocese of TKA is a good set of wheels considering the distances involved! I am reasonably familiar with the southern end of the diocese (through family connections and time spent in the area) but I am keen to get to know the northern parts, too, and I hope to visit each parish as quickly as possible. Between now and Christmas I aim to visit all the churches to familiarise myself with Sunday services and parish routines.

At the Special Synod earlier in the year concerning episcopal arrangements in the Diocese, it was clear that the people of TKA, scattered across a wide geographical area, yearned for the leadership and pastoral support of their own bishop. My predecessor, Bishop Richard Henderson, used to say that a scattered flock was even more in need of a shepherd, so it is now my privilege to try to provide that care and support. I see my role as pastor to the clergy, supporting them in their ministry and I also hope to fulfil the bishop’s role in the community. As part of that, I look forward to working closely with all denominations and especially my Roman Catholic colleagues. My first official occasion was, in fact, an ecumenical one – a unique service of healing at which we began a process of marking graves of unknown famine victims from the mid 19th-century Achill Mission on the Island; this took place on Saturday 24th September along with the Most Revd Dr Michael Neary, Catholic Archbishop of Tuam.

PH: Are you planning any new initiatives in the dioceses?
+P: Well first I intend to listen to the clergy and the laity and to ascertain what their needs are and what their vision is for TKA.  I have some ideas as to how I might use my time most effectively and what I think are realistic possibilities for the diocese. One idea is to perhaps link up with one of the smaller Scottish Dioceses, as its circumstances would have many similarities to ours with relatively small and dispersed numbers of Anglican worshippers. I think there could be mutual learning and I know that I personally would benefit from seeing what the role of the bishop is in that particular context.

I also feel that we should examine closely how we communicate within the diocese and beyond, for already I am aware that there is more going on in TKA than the wider Church might realise; communication in this technological age is essential.

PH: How does it feel to be a bishop?
+P: It is a huge privilege, the significance of which is only just beginning to dawn on me!  I feel humbled at the honour bestowed upon me and mindful of the responsibility. I was made a bishop for the whole church, so I am sure there will be opportunities to become involved in many aspects of its life beyond the diocese.  This I shall welcome in time but for now, my main focus must be on the work and witness of those in Tuam.

I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead – I'm excited but inevitably daunted, too, not only about being the diocesan leader but also about the practical changes surrounding a move to the South where I will need to familiarise myself with jurisdictional differences and  arrangements. I am aware that there is a fairly steep learning curve ahead. I shall be living near Galway city, which is at the opposite end of the diocese from the previous bishop’s residence. Logistically, however, it makes sense in terms of being well placed for travel within the diocese but also for access to Dublin.

My experience in my previous ministry will be useful, perhaps especially during the past five and a half years as Dean of Armagh. That provided wonderful opportunities and learning  which should be of some benefit as I embark on a very different and challenging lifestyle. Without it, I would be feeling very nervous indeed!

I'm fortunate that my wife and family are very supportive, so we all come to the diocese looking forward to meeting the clergy and parishioners. As bishop, my life and theirs will change, but I am quite sure that despite all this, I shall remain very much myself – my family will not allow otherwise!
ENDS