Work continues on amalgamation of two local dioceses

The Bishop of Achonry and of Elphin has confirmed that the financial structures of both dioceses remain separate “at least for the moment” as work continues behind the scenes to amalgamate both dioceses into a single diocese.

In a pastoral message to parishioners in the two dioceses for Christmas, Bishop Kevin Doran outlined a number of key changes which have taken place since he was installed last March as the Bishop of Achonry, in addition to his responsibilities as Bishop of Elphin.

Bishop Doran, who has served as Bishop of Elphin since 2014, told parishioners that work is continuing behind the scenes to ensure that “the financial processes” of the pastoral areas of Elphin and Achonry “mirror each other closely” as the move towards a merger continues.

The Diocese of Elphin includes local parishes including Ss Peter and Paul's, Athlone; Kiltoom and Cam; Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara; Knockcroghery, St John's and Rahara, while the Diocese of Achonry covers 23 parishes, located in North Roscommon, South Mayo and parts of Sligo.

Among the key changes which have taken place in recent months as the move towards amalagmation continues is a merger of the social media accounts of both dioceses into a single entity: @achonryelphin on Facebook, X and Instagram.

From January, a single panel is to be created across the two dioceses for the redeployment of primary school teachers who become surplus to their own schools due to changes in enrolment. At present, each diocese operates its own panel.

Another key change is the plan to combine the resources of the ACCORD Centres (for the support of marriage) being operated in each diocese into one new Centre covering both dioceses.

Achonry and Elphin has also registered as a single entity for Garda Vetting purposes, which has resulted in all staff and volunteers vetted since Summer 2025 being vetted for both dioceses.

Priests from both dioceses have also participated in a number of shared events, including an in-service conference where they had the opportunity to learn together and mix socially, according to Bishop Doran's Pastoral Message, and they also now gather together on a regular basis for shared Retreats and Days of Recollection.

Bishop Doran said in his Pastoral Message that most of the changes have been “at diocesan level” and he added that the process of merging two dioceses “happens slowly over time.” He also clarified that, despite the process towards amalgamation, parishes in the two dioceses of Achonry and Elphin continue to “function effectively” and provide the “pastoral care that people need on a daily basis.”

While thanking all who serve both dioceses, Bishop Doran told his parishioners that he is currently doing about “1,000km per week on the road” and he described time management as being “challenging.” While his plan is to celebrate “all of the Confirmations in 2026” across the two dioceses, he added that it will not be possible for him to “get to everything that is going on” across the dioceses next year.

“From a practical and pastoral point of view, there is still a good deal that needs to be done” said Bishop Doran in his Pastoral Message, which was distributed at all Masses across the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin on Gaudete Sunday, December 14 last. He also appealed to parishioners to “keep our two dioceses in your prayer” and also to keep him in their prayer.