Speaking at the opening of the debate on the Commission for Ministry, the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows welcomed the development of mid-career courses for clergy noting an “insidious lowering of morale” in some middle-aged clergy and that there is a need for “theological refreshment.” He said, he couldn’t wait to discover “what the Bishop of Tuam has in store for me!” The Bishop of Tuam replying said that the objective was to “revitalise vocation in the middle part of ministry.”

Hillary McKay (Down) commended the concept of Pioneer ministry outlined in the report. “I am living near the Titanic quarter and it’s very exciting to hear about the ministry being engaged there.” The Revd Canon Michael Kennedy (Armagh) said he was very concerned about loss of morale and said it could be connected with loss of “opportunity for fellowship” amongst clergy. He also commended the role of Clerical Unions, noting the existence of two in the Diocese of Armagh. The Bishop of Kilmore commended the commission saying “we cannot over-emphasise the importance of ongoing training, equipping for the task of ministry, to which we are all called.” He added a plea for training and encouragement for clergy spouses as well as clergy themselves. Jasper Rutherford (Down and Dromore) also commended the report but questioned whether it was appropriate to wait until 2012 to review the issue of pioneer ministry further. The Revd Marie Jansson (Cashel and Ossory) said she had come back from Sweden and urged people to “actively, gently” encourage those who are feeling a call to ordained ministry. The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe said that his eye was drawn to retirement planning. He outlined some of the topics raised in the courses adding “All in all it is a highly beneficial course.” The Revd Ian Fergusson (Cashel and Ossory) said that he was undertaking a course in Agriculture. “The relationship I had with my parishioners was amazing before, it’s even more amazing now.” He urged clergy seeking training to “think outside the box.”

Andrew McNeile (Dublin) thanked everyone who took part in debate and said it was great to hear the enthusiasm for mid-career courses. On Jasper Rutherford’s point about waiting until 2012 he emphasised that the matter was not parked.

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