Write a commentThe Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore, Archbishop Eamon Martin has announced several clerical changes this month, as well as the formation of a Diocesan Pastoral Council to be built upon five Pastoral Areas of the Diocese.
A new vision statement has been published which speaks of sustainable vital and vibrant parish communities. “We will have vital and vibrant parish communities that are sustainable for future generations” reads the statement.
The Parishes of Newry and Saval and the Parish of Donaghmore will be in the St Brigid's Pastoral area, while St Bronagh’s Pastoral Area will contain A: Parishes of St Peter’s Clonallon (Warrenpoint) and St Mary’s Clonallon (Burren); Parish of Kilbroney (Rostrevor) and B: Parishes of Clonduff (Hilltown) and Drumgath (Rathfriland); Parish of St Patrick’s Clonallon (Mayobridge).
Each Pastoral Area will have an appointed Vicar Forane and will also be represented on the Diocesan Pastoral Council by a number of lay people who are able to bring to the Council their gifts, skills and vision for the future.
Archbishop Eamon said: “I hope that the Pastoral Area discussions and work will provide a forum to bring together and add value to the work of the individual Parish Pastoral Councils across the Diocese. With their help, our new Diocesan Pastoral Council will be able to promote new evangelisation, pastoral renewal and increased involvement of lay women and men in the life of the Church”
He added: “I trust that the Pastoral Area structure will also facilitate faith development, improved communication, pastoral formation and training, enhanced liturgical planning and a common sense of endeavour across the Diocese of Dromore”.
Appointments
Archbishop Eamon also announced clergy appointments and retirements, effective 17 October 2020. He thanked the priests and deacons of the Diocese for their continued ministry and service, and wished well those who are taking up these new appointments. He also thanked the people of the Diocese for their ongoing prayers and support for their clergy and encourages them to welcome their new pastors in the coming weeks.
Retirement
Very Rev Canon John Kearney Adm. Clonallon (St Peter’s Warrenpoint) and PP Kilbroney (Rostrevor) is to retire.
Vicars Forane of the new Pastoral Areas
Very Rev Canon Francis Brown will be Vicar Forane of St Brigid’s Pastoral Area (Parishes of Newry and Saval; Parish of Donaghmore);
Very Rev Charles Byrne to be Vicar Forane of St Bronagh’s Pastoral Area
Appointments
Very Rev Canon Francis Brown, Administrator Newry to also be Administrator Saval.
Very Rev Desmond Loughran Newry Parish to be PP Clonallon (St Patrick’s Mayobridge) and Assistant Priest in the wider St Bronagh’s B Pastoral Area.
Very Rev Brendan Kearns PP Kilbroney (Rostrevor) to be PP Clonallon (St Peter’s Warrenpoint) and PP Clonallon (St Mary’s Burren).
Rev. Feidhlimidh Magennis, Administrator Dromore to be PP Dromore.
Very Rev Desmond Mooney PP Clonallon (St Patrick’s Mayobridge) and PP Clonallon (St Mary’s Burren) to be Parish Priest Kilbroney (Rostrevor).
Rev Krzysztof Kosciolek CC Newry to be CC Clonallon (St Peter’s Warrenpoint) and CC Clonallon (St Mary’s Burren), continuing his mission to the Polish Community.
Rev Alphonsus Chukwunenye, MSP, to be CC Newry and CC Saval.
Rev Callum Young, transitional deacon, to serve part-time in the Parishes of Newry and Saval.
