Clogher Diocese recently introduced changes which means Mass is now celebrated on alternate Sundays in Church of the Sacred Heart, Boho and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Monea. 

On Sunday morning the Church in Monea was too small to seat the combined congregation, and several parishioners, including children, had to stand outside.

One parishioner Louise McLaughlin, interviewed after Sunday morning Mass said she was concerned that the reductions will turn people away from Mass. 

“I think a lot of people with young families are going to come every other weekend, as will a lot of older people, and that is exactly the opposite of what we are trying to do.”

“What we want to do is encourage people to come to our church and be part of our community,” she said. 

Another Monea parishioner explained that the Saturday vigil Mass was important to the community. The parish is broken up into clusters of which the Erne West region which has six priests. 

“For the vigil Masses on Saturday night two priests are on duty, which leaves four not covering Masses,” she explained. 

Originally it was to be that Derrygonnelly would have a vigil Mass and Sunday Masses would alternate between Boho and Monea.

Now, though, there is no vigil Mass on Saturday evening and Mass in Derrygonnelly at 11.30am and alternating between Monea and Boho at 10am on Sunday.

Councillor Bernice Swift, pictured below, says a resolution is needed in Botha. 

“An exceptional case must be made for the rurality of Boho and a return to vigil Mass for the people of Monea. To reduce the number of Masses in an area where for hundreds of years individuals and families worshipped is merely a short term answer for a longer-term solution needed.”

Newly installed Botha parish priest Fr Cathal Deery said he wouldn’t comment on the issue. 

However, Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Joseph McGuinness said, “I am confident that through local dialogue and good sense, imbued with a spirit of charity, the small number of local issues will be resolved.”

He said the revision of Mass times had generally been well received, but it has involved ‘both challenge and opportunity’. 

A petition was handed out at last week’s Mass in Boho and Derrygonnelly. More than 400 signatures were gathered in Boho with Derrygonnnelly signatures yet to be counted. 

A third petition is expected in Monea.