by Denis O’Brien

 Parishioners of a South Leitrim church have been devastated by the news that this weekend will herald the last Sunday Mass in their community. One parishioner warned he will not attend mass elsewhere as a point of protest. The congration of St. Stephen’s Church in Rossan, had their worst fears realised at mass on Sunday morning when Fr. Cathal Faughnan, PP of Aughavas, told those present that Sunday mass in their local church was at an end. Quoting a letter from Bishop Colm O’Reilly of the Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois, Fr. Faughnan said that due to “a rationalisation of Mass schedules,” Sunday morning Mass at Rossan would no longer continue.
He added that because of the reduced number of priests in the Deanery of Carrick-on-Shannon, parishioners had to accept that Mass schedule changes were needed.  

Fr Faughnan, who looks after Aughavas and Cloone parishes, celebrates three Sunday masses in Rossan, Cloone and Aughavas on Sunday mornings. The Bishop’s letter added that parishioners must think of the “two parishes as one unit,” not least in the matter of Mass schedules.In the future, St. Stephen’s Church will be used for special occasions, but only on weekdays, while 
Sunday Mass times will now change at Aughavas Church and Cloone respectively. The announcement was greeted by shock in the Rossan congregation and reaction after mass was swift with many expressing disillusionment.   

Parishioner, Evelyn Lee, said it was a “disgrace”.  “I made my first communion here and I was married here.  The church is needed here,” said Evelyn. 

Martina Williams, whose family lives next door to the church and is an active member, said losing their Sunday Mass was “terrible”.  “It is letting down a group from the community who have equal rights like all other parts of the parish. Our congregation comes from Aughavas and Cloone and neighbouring parishes, and it has been a well-attended mass here every Sunday. I think it is insensitive and not acceptable.” Anna May Creegan said that it was a “very sad day for Rossan.” “I am very disappointed with the Bishop that he can close it just like that. Even if we had weekend Mass on Saturday evening, would be ideal,” she suggested. 

This sentiment was widely accepted as an agreeable compromise, however Aughavas and Cloone will hold Saturday evening masses over the next 6 months on an alternative basis. Others said that they would not go to Mass anywhere else as a point of protest.

Jim McCabe said:
“I look forward to coming to Mass here every week and this is it not good for the area and it is a meeting place for everyone every Sunday.”