Licensing @ Lismore Cathedral

The Bishop has asked me to convey his thanks to the parish for the enormous support you gave to Rev James Mulhall at his licensing in Lismore Cathedral on 24th June.
I want to thank everybody also, but, also, for your enthusiasm and the encouragement you showed in helping to make Sunday, 28th June a memorable day for the Mulhall family and for the parish. It wasn’t just those of you who could be present on both occasions, but the many people who contributed although they could not be present on both occasions.
The Rev James’ licensing to serve in this parish for, at least, a year is a landmark in the life of our parish. The numbers of Anglicans living within our parish boundaries far exceed any estimates that have been made to date. Each person is entitled to the type of pastoral care that has not been possible during the last few years. The workload is too much for one person to accomplish to the type of standard that I expect to provide.
No consideration has been given to the increase in time required in the hospital chaplaincy since St. Joseph’s became a General Hospital. This is the largest unit in area in the diocese, but the numbers returned in censuses has given the impression of a very small population. Having three towns and many villages in our parish demands a greater presence than one person could possibly manage.
Having an assistant will lighten the load and help us move forward in a more positive way. But, beginning things which may be limited again in a year’s time is not something I want to embark on. I hope that by initiating new aspects in ministry will put us in a position for our present level of “manpower” to continue into the future. Rev James and I cannot do this by ourselves – we need your help and co-operation.
With Fas no longer requiring, at least, one room in the tower, we will, after the end of this month, have a further facility for activities. We also need to utilise the Butler/Charteris Hall in Cahir. And we could use our other buildings to better advantage.
I know we want to move forward, and where many put their hands to the wheel there is better and more efficient and each carries a much lighten burden than when there are only a few willing people.