The Bishop of Ossory, Most Rev Laurence Forristal, has announced that there is to be a diocesan forum for the priests, religious, and laity there. Ossory covers most of Co Kilkenny as well as parts of Laois and Offaly.
In a letter distributed to every home in the diocese at the weekend Bishop Forristal said "it is clear from the responses that you are more than anxious to be involved in addressing the concerns of the Church today.
"The setting up of a diocesan forum, where everybody can concern themselves with the life of the diocese, is a practical way of letting your voices be heard.
"This forum should be a reality by the end of the year," he said.
The responses to which Bishop Forristal referred followed consultations with people in Ossory about such a forum.
Open meetings have been arranged for groups of neighbouring parishes next week. A steering committee will then finalise a structure for the forum, after which meetings will be ar- ranged and representatives to the forum will be elected.