The United Diocese stretches from the heart of the midlands in counties Tipperary and Offaly, West to the outskirts of Galway city and South through Co. Clare, Co Limerick and down to Co. Kerry. The natural centre of the diocese is Limerick City with its ancient cathedral of St Mary's and the traditional seat of the Bishop. The chapter of St. Mary's is united with that of St. Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe, the other significant ecclesiastical centre in the diocese. Currently the diocese is in the process of building a new bishop's house in Adare, just south of Limerick city, which will offer easier traffic access to the whole diocese. This location is on a critical axis of the rapidly improving road network throughout the diocese and it is hoped that this strategic move will assist the bishop in his or her ministry.

There are 16 parochial units and there are 13 stipendiary clergy, 1 part-time stipendiary, 8 non-stipendiary clergy and one priest in full time university chaplaincy at UL. In addition to the clerical staff of the diocese there is a recently appointed Youth and Resources officer who is available to parishes and organisations throughout the united diocese and a Marriage Guidance officer who provides courses and training throughout the diocese. We are blessed with a very committed body of non-stipendiary clergy, both from within the diocese and further afield and a large number of lay readers and other lay people both able and willing to do 'ministry'. This has greatly enhanced the liturgical and pastoral ministry in our diocese.

Like many large and predominantly rural dioceses we have in the past experienced pressures on the traditional parochial model of delivering ministry. A lesser number of stipendiary and non-stipendiary clergy are today responsible for parishes which have grown not only in geographical terms due to amalgamations and vacancies, but also in areas of perceived responsibility, due to the ever broadening job description of the parochial clergy. Happily we have reached a level of stability at this stage but in certain areas of the diocese the clergy are very thinly spread and relate to multiple centres of population.

The strongest areas of the diocese in terms of numbers are to be found in Limerick City, the parishes of East Killaloe and in Tralee. However even in locations where numbers are small the Church has a strong witness and is both supportive of and enjoys the support of the wider community.

Ecumenical relations throughout the diocese are very positive and have proved essential to the future of our life as a Church. These relations are expressed in concrete ways, most recently in the drawing up of a joint course of youth leadership training in cooperation with Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and the Redemptorist community which is to start next year.

The diocese has always valued its relationships with churches in other provinces and countries. We are currently in the infancy of a new three-way link with the Evangelical Church of Anhalt, Germany and the Anglican diocese of Saldahna Bay, South Africa, a diocese carved out of the old Diocese of Capetown and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is hoped that this link will bring a constructive exchange of ideas and personnel.

Another factor which broadens the ministry of the diocese is tourism. The diocese is fortunate to have some of Ireland's most beautiful landscape and heritage within its boundaries. Many of our parishes enjoy a swelling of their ranks in the summer months and some of our historic churches rely heavily on tourist income to support their structures. There are also occasions when the local churches are called upon and readily respond to provide pastoral support to tourists in various difficulties.

The ministry to young people has long been a priority in the diocese and this has certainly borne fruit. One of the priorities of the newly appointed Youth and Resources Officer has been to further develop youth leadership expertise and resources on a local basis. The geography of the diocese is such that locally based youth ministry is the essential bedrock. However there is also a very active diocesan youth council which runs a programme of activities throughout the year and provides an opportunity for our young people to get together in significant numbers and share fun and fellowship together. This has been particularly important for young people from our smaller parishes who may have more limited opportunities to engage in youth activities in their own area. There is also a Youth Council band which plays at events throughout the diocese. The GFS is a significant organisation within the diocese, particularly in Killaloe where it is very well supported. Boys Brigade, once active throughout the diocese is still running in the Tralee area.

There are 11 primary schools in the diocese and these schools are very involved in both parochial and diocesan life. Villiers School in Limerick which is under joint C of I / Presbyterian management is a growing secondary school with excellent resources and a good academic and sporting record. Children from throughout the United Diocese attend while a considerable number also attend local schools. Some of our schools have seen a substantial growth in numbers due to the growing immigrant community and this has provided both a challenge and an opportunity for us.

Limerick and Killaloe is a diocese that has changed much and is open to change in the future. It is united in more than name and while its people are quite diverse we share a common desire to serve Christ in changing times.