AUSTRALIA: DISCUSSIONS ON FUTURE OF WILCANNIA-FORBES DIOCESE

CATH NEWS REPORT: Parishioners and faithful were given the chance to have their say on the future of NSW's Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese at a special meeting held in Forbes Monday night, reports theForbes Advocate.


Bishop Kevin Manning, currently Apostolic Administrator for the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, said the meeting was part of the terms of reference of an investigative committee established to examine the viability of the diocese.The public meeting, held in the hall opposite St Laurence's church on Johnson Street, followed a similar meeting earlier in the day between parish priests of the diocese and a special committee established by NSW bishops.

The diocese includes 22 parishes in an area occupying about half of the state.

Bishop Manning said part of the committee's role was to consult with as many stakeholders as possible in the diocese. "There have been suggestions that some parishes be aligned with adjoining dioceses," Bishop Manning said.

"But there is a feeling that the people of the diocese would like to stick together with improved services," he said. "One of the biggest things is the travel. In some cases priests are driving 250km on Sundays just to say Mass."

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=26673

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