Phonsie of Waterford has a very controversial In Tray just now.
1. NO MONEY TO PAY PRIEST’S WAGES:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Priests in the Diocese rely on the offerings of the people to live. With the suspension of public Masses, there is little money coming in for the payment of clergy. I know that this is a difficult time for most people. If however, you would like to make a donation towards the payment of priests at this time we have made this online payment facility available.
I also have in mind various projects for spreading the faith in the Diocese and for this we need to employ a Youth-Ministry Officer and a Faith-Development Officer. These roles are vital to help change the negative culture that surrounds us and to let people know God’s message of truth and mercy. If you would like to help support these and other diocesan initiatives, you can contribute to Bishop’s Evangelisation Appeal below.
I would like to thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
Yours Sincerely,
Bishop Phonsie
Waterford is facing a problem most dioceses are facing – reduced income due to closed churches etc.
That is bound to continue and get worse.
Many people will not return to Mass when the lockdown is lifted.
They have developed the habit of not coming.
THE SCANDALS
Nearly everyday a new scandal comes out of the RCC.
Every scandal sends more people away from church.
And Phonsie has his very own big scandal in his diocese with MOUNT MELLERARY and RICHARD PURCELL.
The scandal has been reported to Phonsie who seems to have done nothing about.
Why give a man who does not sort out scandals any more noney.
Let Phonsie sell assets to pay his priests – churches, presbyteries, hall etc.
2. AN INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER OR NOT A DIOCESAN PRIEST AND GARDA COLLUDED TO PROTECT A PAEDOPHILE.
Sadly, this collusion scandal involved my old friend Monsignor John Shine 😭
John Shine’s nephew, the Waterford sports coach, Bill Kennealy, was a prolific paedophile.
The Garda knew about him for years abd did nothing.
The suggestion is that Monsignor Shine may have colluded with senior Garda to prevent Kennealy from being prosecuted?
Shine was a good, kind pastoral man but as a canon lawyer he had a blind spot when it cane to savibg the good name of the church and people he was loyal too.
He had a misguided idea that it was better to sort things out quietly and privately.
That’s what the Church did in the past.
Anyway, the whole thing is now to be subject to a judicial enquiry.
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 