Scottish Catholic Observer

Divorced and remarried Catholics, along with Catholics in a relationship but unmarried, have been a much-discussed topic in the Church, with Pope Francis addressing the issue a number of times since becoming Pontiff.

Bishop Keenan, who said the issue was of great concern to him, has now appointed Mgr Gallagher to set up and lead a Curial Office of Pastoral Care for ‘those in Irregular Situations.’

“It is a great concern of mine, as it is for you, that many Catholics feel estranged from the Church due to their being in irregular unions of various descriptions,” Bishop Keenan said. “Pope Francis is so concerned that he has called this year’s extraordinary Synod to look at the issue. The truth is that this pastoral situation is so extensive that it is causing us to lose contact with so many of our faithful who feel excluded from the Church and it is, at the same time, an obstacle to society’s reception of the Good News we preach.”

The bishop said he hopes the new office will be able to help in rectifying many irregular unions while ‘offering means of belonging for those whose circumstances are ongoing.’

The new appointment was announced as part of clergy changes for the diocese that will take effect on September 19.

—More on Paisley clergy changes, see next week’s Scottish Catholic Observer, in parishes Sept 12

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