The Bishop elect for the Ardgah Clonmacnois diocese will face unique challenges in his new posting.
That's according to Diocesan Administrator and Edgeworthstown Parish Priest Fr. Tom Healy, ahead of Bishop Paul Connell's ordination on Sunday.
A large crowd is expected to attend his ordination as the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise on this Sunday in St Mel's Cathedral.
The 65 year old Mullingar native was announced as the new Bishop of the diocese on April 5th of this year and will succeed Cavan native Francis Duffy who served as Bishop for 8 years prior to his installation as the Archbishop of Tuam in January of last year.
An ageing clergy and reduced numbers are just two issues facing the church currently.
Speaking to Let's Talk this afternoon, Father Healy says there is a great team in place to help the transition.
'We've quite a few committees in the diocese from various things like safeguarding, youth ministry, liturgy and so on and also there last year in the springtime with the diocesan assembly and that established three priorities youth, family and lay tray training, there's good people here good parishioners, good priests and he'll get lots of support and wisdom along the way.''
