Clustering parishes I - the practice

In recent years most Irish dioceses have begun to think about how best to plan and manage their pastoral activities as the country experiences a profound change in its social and religious landscape. The issues that confront the Church in Ireland are by no means unique and have already been faced in many other parts of the Western world over several decades. Here it is proposed to look at the issue in practical pastoral terms and then to provide a theological rationale that underpins the process. A working definition with commentary will be offered as a starting point. Then various models will be explored, some of which will be more immediately applicable in the Irish context than others. A rationale for clustering will be examined and some concrete suggestions offered as to what pastoral activities might benefit from this arrangement. Finally, but very importantly, a theological underpinning will be proposed, which it is hoped will show that this contemporary challenge for renewal and development is entirely consistent with a sound conciliar theology, especially the ecclesiology of Vatican II.N