Bishop John Has made the following clergy appointments:
Fr Thomas John, currently parish priest at St Joseph’s, Greenock will move to become parish priest of Saint Peter’s, Paisley, vacated after the death of our dear Fr Andrew Coleman. Fr Thomas will also become parish priest of St Paul’s in Paisley.
Fr Maurice Callaghan, currently parish priest of St John the Baptist, Port Glasgow, will move to become parish priest of St Joseph’s, Greenock.
Fr Daniel Fitzpatrick, recently returned to the diocese from his post as Rector at the Scots College in Rome will become parish priest of St John the Baptist, Port Glasgow. Fr Fitzpatrick will also become parish priest of Holy Family, Port Glasgow and Administrator of St Colm’s, Kilmacolm.
Fr Joseph Balmer, currently parish priest of St. John’s Barrhead and St. Thomas, Neilson will relinquish his office in St. Thomas’ but retain his office in St. John’s, Barrhead.
Fr Oliver Freney, currently Administrator of St Mary’s, Paisley will move to become Administrator of St Thomas’, Neilston.
Fr John Morrison, currently parish priest of St Fergus and St James parishes in Paisley will relinquish his role at St James’ and will become parish priest of St Mary’s, Paisley as well as retaining his current position at St Fergus.
Fr Joe Burke, Administrator of St Mirin’s cathedral will also become parish priest of St James, Paisley.
Moreover, I have also asked Fr Matthew Carlin to become Vicar Episcopal for Education in the diocese.
Canon Michael McMahon will move from the post of VE for Education to focus on his role as VE for Adult Education and Formation within the diocese.
Fr Jonathan Whitworth will become VE for Marriage and Family Life.
All changes will take effect from 12noon on Friday 30th September 2022.
Bishop John is very grateful to all those involved in these changes for their readiness to serve the needs of the diocese in new remits. As you know, change is never easy, so please keep the priests and their parishes old and new in your prayers.