Five new Lay Local Ministers (LLMs) were commissioned by Bishop Paul Colton for pastoral work in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross recently. The commissioning was part of the Diocesan Service for Lay Ministry held at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

The new LLMs completed a two year course in pastoral studies laid down by the Bishop of Cork, and delivered under the supervision of the Rev. Bruce Pierce, who recently retired as Director of Education at Northridge House Education and Research Centre at St Luke’s Charity Cork.

The Local Lay Ministers (Pastoral) have a unique role in the diocese, being called to bring Christ’s presence to all, through their care for others. They are lay volunteers who are part of the local parish ministry team, and each is in a mentoring relationship with the local rector, priest-in-charge or chaplain in care settings.

If there are lay people in the United Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross who are interested in training to serve voluntarily in this local ministry they should speak with their rector or priest-in-charge.