The Adult Faith Development group was established in September 2009 by Bishop Freeman. It was established to support, encourage and offer parish and diocesan initiatives that contribute towards the faith development of the members of our diocese. This group, in collaboration with other diocesan bodies, seeks to work towards an increased engagement in our parishes as living faith communities. It aims to do this by offering tiered educational formation and training for the members of our parish communities while at the same time always seeking to reach out to new participants.

Rev. Dr Dermot Ryan – is Administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral Parish, President of St Kieran’s College, lecturer in Carlow College and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, NUIM and is director of Adult Faith Development in Ossory.

Eadaoin Maher – is a teacher in St Kieran’s College, a Guidance Counsellor and is a member of St Canice’s Parish in Kilkenny city. Eadaoin was part of the originating group for the Ossory Times here in the Diocese.

Fr Kieran O’Shea – is Team Leader in St Patrick’s Parish Kilkenny and Co-ordinator of the City Pastoral Area. He holds a Masters in religious education (MREd) and has been a member of the Faith Development Group since its inception.

Fergal Brennan – is a teacher in St Kieran’s College and also serves as the College Chaplain. He is a member of St John’s Parish, Kilkenny.

Rachel Heffernan – is one of the people in the Diocese training as Lay Pastoral Leaders, she is a member of the Cathedral Parish and holds a degree in Theology.

Jack Kavanagh – runs his family business, JJ Kavanagh Coaches, and is a member of Urlingford Parish.

Martina Lawlor – has been Secretary to the Faith Development Group since its inception and is a member of the Cathedral Parish and its Pastoral Council.