Kildare parish is shocked as Saturday Mass ends
Vigil Mass at the Church of Our Lady & St. Joseph, Prosperous, Co Kildare is to cease with immediate effect
Parishioners in Prosperous have been informed that the Saturday evening Vigil Mass at the Church of Our Lady & St. Joseph is to cease with immediate effect.
The announcement was communicated during weekend Masses on October 24 and 25 in a message on behalf of Fr Ruairí, Parish Priest of Newbridge.
The decision represents a significant change for the local parish community, with the Pastoral Council acknowledging the disappointment the news will bring to many parishioners.
However, the Sunday morning Mass will continue as normal at 10am each week.
Families who had previously booked anniversary Masses for Saturday evenings over the coming weeks have also been reassured that their deceased loved ones will be remembered at the Sunday Mass on the corresponding weekend.
In a message to parishioners, the Pastoral Council appealed for continued support through attendance at Sunday morning Mass as the community navigates what it described as challenging times.
The announcement has prompted concern among local residents, with some questioning the reduction in Mass services despite the village's growing population. Others have suggested that moving Sunday Mass to its former time of 11.30am could encourage greater attendance.
Questions have also been raised about arrangements and dates for upcoming First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.
For now, the Sunday 10am Mass remains the sole weekend Mass service in Prosperous.