The Diocese of Raphoe has confirmed a number of clerical appointments and retirements as it faces ‘decreasing number of clergy’.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie (main pic), Diocesan Administrator, said the changes will take effect on the weekend of August 16 and 17. He also confirmed the Parish of Glenswilly is to be administered from St Eunan’s Cathedral.
Monsignor Gillespie took the opportunity to thank retiring priests for their long and dedicated years of service in the diocese, and to thank all the priests who have accepted changes for their generosity.
“Given the decreasing number of clergy, it is important for parish communities to reflect on how they can support their priests as they carry a heavier burden of responsibility, and how neighbouring parishes can collaborate in ensuring that a reasonable number of Masses can be provided for in times of sickness or legitimate absence,” he said.
The full list of appointments and retirements is as follows:
Very Rev Francis McLoone, PP Killymard, to retire
Very Rev Eddie Gallagher, AP Leitirmacaward, to retire
Very Rev Charlie Byrne, PP Mevagh [Carrigart], to retire
Very Rev Martin Collum, PP Killygarvan & Tullyfern [Rathmullan], to retire
Very Rev James Sweeney, PP Inver [Frosses], to be PP Killymard
Very Rev Patrick Dunne, PP Kilbarron [Ballyshannon], to be PP Mevagh [Carrigart]
Very Rev Rory Brady, PP Killaghtee [Bruckless], to be PP Kilbarron [Ballyshannon]
Very Rev. Philip Kemmy, PP Newtowncunningham & Killea, to be in addition PP Taughboyne [St. Johnston]
Very Rev. Colm Ó Gallchóir, PP Killybegs, to be in addition Administrator Killaghtee [Bruckless]
The Rev. Stephen Gorman, CC Milford, to be PP Killygarvan & Tullyfern [Rathmullan]
The Rev. Liam Boyle, Priest in Residence Glenswilly, to be PP Inver [Frosses]
The Rev. Anthony Briody, CC Tamney, to be Administrator Tamney [Clondavaddog]
The Rev. Damien Nejad, CC Conwal & Leck [St. Eunan’s Cathedral], to be CC Newtowncunningham & Killea and St. Johnston
The Rev. Raymond McQuarrie, M.Afr., CC Mountcharles, to be CC Milford [Killygarvan and Tullyfern]
The Rev. Joseph Ndiraba, Diocese of Hoima [Uganda] to be CC Bruckless
The Rev. Sunil Joseph, Diocese of Mananthawady [India], to be CC Ballyshannon and
chaplain to the Syro-Malabar community in the Diocese.
Tags: