The north’s largest Catholic diocese has created a new full-time role to care for the physical and mental wellbeing of priests facing increasing pressures within the church, with an annual salary of up to £50,000.
The search is on for a clergy health and wellbeing officer within the Diocese of Down and Connor, with the role aimed at registered nurses with experience in older peoples’ services and primary care.
It is understood the post is one of the first of its kind in the north, and has been established to assist both serving and retired priests.
The job description states the officer will observe “the overall wellbeing of clergy including sick and retired priests, to ensure awareness of their living circumstances in order to establish whether they are living well”.
The successful applicant will also assess the “physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of clergy in need of care”, such as priests facing issues including loneliness.
The role is being introduced as the Catholic church across Ireland growing pressures caused by declining clergy numbers that mean an increasing workload for priests.
Last month it was reported that three parishes in Co Tyrone and Co Donegal were being combined as a result of dwindling clergy and mass-goers.
Down and Connor spokesperson, Fr Eddie McGee said the new position will build on existing structures within the diocese to provide support for clergy of all stages in their career.
“In the past, much of the pastoral care provided by the church would have been the responsibility of priests appointed by a bishop to the role of episcopal vicar,” he explained.
“There would have been other structures in place also to assist this care, including Down and Connor’s provident fund, for example, for sick and retired priests.
“This new role is indicative of the increasing numbers of clergy who are older and infirm, but it isn’t only for those with physical needs - it’s also in support of the mental wellbeing of priests and to assist them with the challenges of their ministry, and to help them achieve a holistic balance in their lives.”
The post, with a three-year fixed-term contract, results from work started in a project launched by the diocese in 2019, titled Pathways to the Future, which among other areas was aimed at improving pastoral care for priests.
“Ultimately, the role represents the commitment of the bishop to the welfare of his clergy,” Fr McGee added.
