by Bill Heaney
The shortage of priests in the Catholic Church in the Glasgow archdiocese, which includes parishes from West Dunbartonshire from Clydebank to Rosneath and parts of the West Highlands, is one of a number of “important issues” which have just been raised on social media in the run-up to Christmas.
Fr Lawlor writes: “The Archbishop writes regularly to the priests in an ‘ad clerum’ letter, detailing business and issues that affect the whole diocese.
“The most recent letter contains several important issues that everyone ought to be aware of:
It is proving harder to obtain visas to bring priests from overseas to help the clergy shortage here.
There is a programme of merging parishes across the diocese.“
He added that while that doesn’t (yet) affect his own parish in Maryhill, people need to be aware of how it is affecting “many others.”
Another important issue which Fr Lawlor suggests requires discussion is the fact that the archbishop reiterates that in the Glasgow archdiocese it is not allowed to celebrate weddings on a Sunday, which takes him to the shortage of clergy.
Father Lawlor has underscored a section of Archbishop Nolan’s letter, which states:
“Unfortunately, clergy workload continues to increase. This year six priests stepped down as parish priests, mainly due to age or illness.
“In 2026 I fully expect that number to be at least four. Immigration restrictions mean that we are not able to bring in sufficient priests from abroad as replacements.
“With clergy numbers reducing and clergy health deteriorating we need to be open and honest with the people about the need to reduce the number of Masses celebrated; to merge parishes and to close churches.
“While it is admirable to see the dedication of priests who, when they take unwell, soldier on through illness, it is not a sensible nor a healthy option.”
And to parishioners he said: “We are all of us responsible for our parish.”
The Archbishop’s letter immediately sparked an on-line debate.
Retired teacher Stephen Joyce wrote: “The Archbishop paints,with dignity a bleak picture- but, with God, there is always hope. Some parishes have had to reduce services and events and outreach involvements.”
Gillian Drinkald suggested controversially: “Allowing priests to marry is the way forward.
Here in England we have numerous Indian monks as priests and are down to one weekend Mass and one weekday Mass.”
Eddie Friel added: “Ordaining single men who have been Deacons for a number of years is the way ahead.”
Gerry Livingstone suggested: “Ordaining married men – and allowing priests to get married would solve the problem.”
Top of page caption: Archbishop Nolan talking to the congregation at Fr Lawlor’s church in Glasgow.