'We need young people at church', stresses Bishop of Limerick as Christmas approaches

THE Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has issued an appeal to young people, saying: “We need you” at church.

“You bring us enthusiasm and liveliness. We know we are not always the most lively of places today, but we have noticed young adults beginning to rediscover the value of Mass. So we say, why not give is a try? And not just once or twice. Persevere and you’ll see it’s worth it,” the Bishop stated in a Christmas message.

The most senior figure in the Catholic Church in Limerick also stressed that going to Mass is not just for December.

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“If you feel it’s special at Christmas, don’t think that’s just it. There might not be the same parade of new jackets and coats on other days, children might not be as excited. But it’s the same church, the same sense of level of peace and strength if you seek it,” said Bishop Leahy.

Some 20,000 people attend Mass across the Limerick Diocese each week, with 2,000 doing so daily, he said.

But it’s only really at Christmas that the pews are packed.

“As clergy, we look out with great joy when we see our churches full. It’s always heartening to see people gather, whether it’s in your home with visitors, at matches or indeed, at church. The reality is the great sense of community, of family and peace that we get at Christmas is there for us every other day of the year also,” said the bishop.

“At Christmas, it is extra special, of course, because we celebrate the birth of Christ, the churches are festooned with decorations, we all make an extra effort. That’s what is different about Christmas. We make an extra effort, we give more to Mass and we get more in return. But what if we give the same to other Sunday or weekly Masses? The answer is we will also receive,” he added in his Christmas message released this Tuesday.

Bishop Leahy says he finds people take great solace in the church, especially during tough times.

“That’s because they put a lot into it. They come with intent. They are seeking and they find. So, that really is the message. Mass offers so much, but you have to give for it to get from it,” he said.

The church, he added, provides “deep roots” which gives stability, “especially when storms blow into our lives”.

“The Mass, after all, contains the whole spiritual treasure of the church,” added Bishop Leahy.