Sir, —
I’m writing to let readers know that the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh is establishing an agricultural chaplaincy ministry to better serve our farming communities. Ireland’s farmers face unique pressures: isolation, financial uncertainty, climate challenges, social media attacks, and generational expectations. Yet pastoral care often struggles to reach beyond church walls into the fields, marts, and farmyards where farming life happens.
Agricultural chaplaincy offers a different approach. Rather than waiting for farmers to come to church, we’re meeting them where they are — at markets, agricultural shows, and in the rural spaces where their work takes place. This is incarnational ministry in practice: being present in everyday realities, listening without agenda, offering pastoral support that understands their world.
Our approach includes regular presence at marts and agricultural events, building trusted relationships over time, and creating accessible resources — pastoral letters addressing seasonal concerns, support service information, and reminders that the Church values farming communities.
This work requires patience, cultural competency, and a willingness to walk alongside people whose rhythms differ from parish schedules. It’s Gospel hospitality extended to those whose work sustains us all.
If you would like to learn more about how this ministry might grow in the future, please contact me: agchaplainireland@gmail.com
Ms Rachel Cox
(Agricultural Chaplain, Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh)