The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp. has on Tuesday February 28, directed the realignment of some seven parishes in the Accra Archdiocese to their ‘proper’ deaneries.
According to a statement issued to all priests, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese and signed by Secretary to the Archbishop, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Darfour Appah, the decision was to realign the parishes to their proper deaneries.
This realignment of the parishes takes effect today, March 1, 2023.
The seven parishes include; St Peter Adjen Kotoku, and Divine Mercy, Papase, formerly of Kpehe Deanery now belong to Kaneshie Deanery, St Joseph, Obom, and outstations, formerly of Kpehe Deanery, now belong to Kaneshie Deanery, St Bakhita, Amasaman, and outstation, formerly of Kpehe Deanery now belong to Kaneshie Deanery.
Mary Mother of Good Counsel, Airport West, formerly of Osu Deanery, according to the realignment now belongs to Kpehe Deanery. St Patrick, Kwabenya, and St Louis, Parakou, formerly of Madina Deanery have also been realigned to the Kpehe Deanery.
Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Okponglo, formerly of Osu Deanery now belongs to Madina Deanery.
The realignment means the realigned parishes will henceforth participate in Archdiocesan and deanery level activities and celebrations under their new deaneries.
Why are Parishes in a/an Arch/diocese divided into Deaneries?
Parishes in an Arch/diocese are divided into deaneries to promote better coordination and communication between the bishop and the local parishes. By grouping parishes into deaneries, the bishop can delegate responsibilities and coordinate activities more efficiently, ensuring that the Church’s pastoral mission is carried out effectively in each local community.
The deanery system also helps to promote unity and collaboration among the parishes. By working together, parishes within a deanery can share resources, ideas, and best practices, supporting each other in their pastoral ministry. This can be especially important in larger dioceses where the bishop may not have direct oversight over every parish.
Additionally, the deanery system can help to promote accountability and transparency within the Church. The dean serves as a liaison between the bishop and the local parishes, ensuring that diocesan policies and directives are implemented correctly and that the spiritual and material needs of the faithful are being met.
Overall, the division of parishes into deaneries is an important aspect of the administration of the Catholic Church, helping to ensure effective pastoral care and promoting collaboration, unity, and accountability within the local Church community.
