Media Day

19 July 2010

I represent the maritime region of the diocese of Clogher where the

Atlantic Ocean washes and nibbles at the West Coast. 

I came to Monaghan for my second-level education where one of my teachers and minders was Bishop Duffy, so I have spent quite a share of my life in his shadow.  Eight years in Maynooth studying Philosophy, Celtic Languages, Theology and Education were followed by twenty years on the staff of St. Macartan’s College.  My work there included teaching, supervision of the boarding pupils, three years as Career Guidance Counsellor, followed by eight years as Principal of the School and President of the College.

When I left St. Macartan’s, I spent three years as curate doing pastoral work in the Northern Ireland part of the diocese – Brookeboro and Fivemiletown, where I lived.  There is a little gem of the Catholic Church there, in Alpine style, built on a site given to the Catholic Community by the landlords, the Montgomery family.  I am very pleased that the present landlord and descendant, Captain Robert Lowry, with whom I have been friends for years, will attend my Episcopal Ordination on Sunday next.

In 1993, I returned to Monaghan where for the past 17 years I have ministered to the people of the parish of Tyholland as well as working in the Diocesan Office as Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese.

From next Sunday onwards, I will be facing a new challenge as Bishop of the Diocese of Clogher.  This will include a mix of responsibilities : 

1. My overall responsibility is to pass on the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of the diocese.
2. To be available to the priests and religious of the diocese who are the special channel of God’s grace to the people.
3. To promote and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
4. To facilitate increased participation by the laity in parish administration and in the pastoral activity of the Church.
5. To have special care for teachers and catechists in our Catholic Schools who do such invaluable work in instructing our children in the faith.
6. To see to it that the structures and measures now in place in the diocese for the protection of children are responsibly implemented.
7. To promote and encourage ecumenical dialogue and activity in our diocese.
8. To seek to make a contribution to the National Church in my role as a member of the Irish Episcopal Conference.

Mgr. Liam S. MacDaid

Bishop-Elect of Clogher