The Elphin diocese's assembly for priests has taken priesthood as its focus this year. Serving and retired clergy gathered with Bishop Jones from Sunday November 6th to Wednesday Nov. 9th in The Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo,

Organisers, Fr. John Cullen (Kiltoom), Fr. Eugene McLoughlin (Roscommon), Bishop Christy Jones, Fr. Ray Milton (Knockcroghery) with Eoin O'Mahony (IEC Research Dept.) and Fr. Pat McHugh (PE Roosky-Kilglass / Sligo).


Over the three days input was provided by the following panel of speakers:

Eoin O'Mahony (IEC Council for Research and Development): Priesthood and Education
Sr. Anna Bourke RSM (Ardagh & Clonmacnois): Priesthood and Prayer
Fr. Brendan McConvery CSsR (St. Patrick's College, Maynooth): Priesthood and the Word of God
Fr. John Hughes OSA: Priesthood – Human & Spiritual Development

In his welcoming address Bishop Jones thanked the priests for their on-going and dedicated contribution to the spiritual and pastoral care of  the dioceses' thirty-eight parish communities..

Many of the participating priests also communicated their appreciation of the opportunity the assembly provided to spend time together, to pray and reflect together and to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Geraldine Clancy (Veritas , Sligo) Fr. Tommy Leahy SPS (Ballinaheglish & Derrane) &  Fr. Eamon Conaty SSC (Ballinameen & Breedogue).

Fr. Hugh Lee MHM (Curraghboy), Fr. Micheal Donnelly (Castlerea) and Fr. Vincent McDevitt CSsP (Caltra).