PRESS RELEASE
A synodal Church is a people that journeys together. For over two years, the people, priests and programme personnel of the Diocese of Ferns have engaged in consultation regarding the future of our Church. This consultation was spearheaded by Bishop Ger and brought together through a collaboration of the Council of Priests and the Diocesan Pastoral Council to develop a pastoral plan entitled ‘Our Future Church’. This plan, available on www.ferns.ie envisions twelve pastoral areas in our Diocese to ensure sustainability and the availability of priests for every community into the future. Clustering parishes into pastoral areas allows parishes to share vital resources, such as priests who will engage in team ministry within each pastoral area. The vision of Vatican II and the foundation of baptism underpins our plan to support priests and people to work more closely together towards mission and ministry.
The following clerical changes have been made in response to the needs of the new Pastoral Areas. These changes are effective from weekend of 13/14th July.
Fr. Sean Devereux Cushinstown appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of Bunclody-Ferns-Kilrush and assigned to Ferns.
Fr. John Byrne Oylegate appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of Bunclody-Ferns-Kilrush and assigned to Bunclody.
Fr. Paddy Banville Enniscorthy Pastoral Area appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area of Gorey-Camolin-Craanford-Riverchapel and assigned to Craanford.
Fr. James Cullen Wexford appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of St. Senans-St. Aidans-Marshalstown and assigned to Marshalstown.
Fr Michael Doyle Templetown appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area Imeall na Screige and assigned to Oulart/Ballaghkeene.
Fr Dermot Gahan returning from Indiana, USA and appointed as Co-PP to the pastoral area Castlebridge-Crossabeg-Oylegate and assigned to Oylegate/Glenbrien.
Fr Brian Whelan Craanford appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area New Ross-Cushinstown-Adamstown-Newbawn and assigned to New Ross.
Fr. Roger O’ Neill Gorey appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area New Ross-Cushinstown-Adamstown-Newbawn and assigned to Cushinstown.
Fr. Tom Orr New Ross appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area Horeswood-Ramsgrange-Duncannon-Templetown-Ballycullane and assigned to Duncannon and Templetown.
Fr. Paddy Browne, Oulart appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area Wexford-Clonard-Glynn-Piercestown and assigned to Wexford.
Fr. Odhran Furlong Chaplain in Wexford General Hospital to assist in the Pastoral area of Bannow-Clongeen-Taghmon-Rathangan in addition to his duties in the Hospital.
Fr. David Murphy, Chaplain to the Defence Forces to assist in the Pastoral area of Tagoat-Kilrane-Our Lady’s Island-Kilmore-Ballymore in addition to his duties with the Defence Forces.
The Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash has accepted the retirement of Monsignor Joe McGrath as Vicar General of the Diocese and wishes to thank him for his immense service in this role and for the wise and gentle counsel provided over many years and wishes him good health in his continued Ministry as Co-PP in his Pastoral area Bishop Ger is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Broaders as Vicar General of the Diocese of Ferns and wishes him every blessing in his new role.
ENDS
Regards
Odhrán Furlong
Communications Officer
Diocese of Ferns
Oremus pro invicem