Diocesan changes announced
Appointments will come into effective from September 1.
With two more local priests to retire as part of Diocesan changes announced, Most Rev. Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore, has asked for prayers to guide others so that the “calling of priesthood may continue to be celebrated”.
Very Rev. Fr. John Cusack, C.C. to Ballinamore-Drumreilly Lower will retire and reside in Lavey.
Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fagan P.P. of Knockbride will also retire. He is set to reside in Bailieborough.
In this Year of Prayer for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood, Bishop Hayes said: “We pray, in the light of the ongoing need for priests, that the life, integrity and authenticity of the calling of priesthood may continue to be celebrated among us with the help of the Good Lord.”
The latest diocesan appointments will come into effective from September 1.
In making the announcement Bishop Hayes prayed in “thanksgiving for the calling of priesthood. We pray for all our priests; for those who have retired after years of faithful ministry and service to the Diocese of Kilmore as well as for those who take up new appointments among and together with us as the People of God.”
He added: “We give thanks for the vocation of each person, those who participate in the life of our parish communities and all those people called to leadership in the service of the mission of the Diocese of Kilmore.”
Other changes announced include Very Rev. Fr. Charles O’Gorman, P.P. Killeshandra-Arva moving as P.P. of Knockbride, to be replaced by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Tully, current P.P Lavey.
Rev. Fr Peter Okpetu MSP, C.C. Cathedral Presbytery, Cavan meanwhile will move as P.P. to Lavey.
Among the other changes Very Rev. Fr. Donal Kilduff P.P. Denn (Crosskeys) is to complete his term as Chancellor, Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Communications Officer.
Fr Kilduff took up the role of P.P. to Denn in 2018.
He took over the roles of Chancellor, Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Communications Officer in 2013 from Bishop Francis Duffy, former Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, as now Archbishop of Tuam.
Very Rev Fr. Gabriel Kelly, Chaplain to Cavan General Hospital will now serve the roles of Parish Priest to Kilmainhamwood-Moybologue and Chancellor of Kilmore Diocese.
Very Rev. Fr. Paul Prior P.P, in addition to being Parish Priest of Mullagh & Cross, will now become Diocesan Secretary; and Very Rev. Fr. Darragh Connolly P.P., in addition to being Parish Priest of Killinkere, will work as Diocesan Communications Officer.