Bishop announces new clergy appointments for Diocese
BISHOP Martin Hayes has announced new clergy appointments for the Diocese of Kilmore which will be effective from September 13.
In a letter to the Diocese, Bishop Hayes said “Our 2025 clergy appointments take account of the reduced number of available priests in Kilmore Diocese.”
He said the diocese gives thanks “for the faithful ministry of all our priests including those from abroad who are ministering with us”.
He added: “We continue to pray for vocations to diocesan priesthood; a vocation that is essential to the life of our faith communities.”
Bishop Martin Hayes has announced the following clergy appointments:
Fr Gerard Comiskey returns from sabbatical and will take up his role as Parish Priest of Killinagh-Glangevlin while Fr Thomas McManus, currently PP of Drumkeeran, will retire from his role but will continue to assist with ministry in the Manorhamilton Deanery.
Fr Paul Casey, PP of Dromahair, will also become Administrator of Drumkeeran and Fr Martin Gilcreest, who is PP of Laragh, will also be Administrator of Lavey.
Fr Peter Okpetu MSP, PP, will begin full-time Hospital Chaplaincy Studies.
Fr Bijo Chacko, CC of Annagh and Urney & Annagelliff, will become CC of Lavey and Fr Finbarr Felix MSP will be CC of Annagh and Drumlane Parishes.
“Collaborative ministry”
Making the announcement, the Bishop also paid tribute to the lay members of the diocese who contribute in a significant way to parish life.
He said a “strong tradition of lay involvement and pastoral planning” has enabled the initiation of a Lay Pastoral Ministry Programme in conjunction with the Centre for Mission & Ministries at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth beginning this September.
Bishop Hayes said he looks forward in this Jubilee Year of Hope to a “collaborative ministry of people and priests in the spirit of walking together and sharing the responsibility of doing our best to nurture our Christian faith”.