Diocese mourns death of former Tempo parish priest Fr John Halton

Bishop Duffy pays tribute to former Tempo parish priest Fr John Halton

The Diocese of Clogher is mourning the sudden death of Fr John Halton, retired Parish Priest of Tempo, Co Fermanagh, who served communities across Monaghan, Fermanagh and Tyrone during 55 years of priestly ministry.

A native of Moynalty on the Meath-Cavan border, Fr Halton was ordained in 1971 after studying at St Patrick's College, Maynooth. Over the course of his ministry, he served in parishes across the Diocese of Clogher, including Monaghan, Castleblayney, Magheracloone, Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge, Tydavnet and Fintona, before being appointed Parish Priest of Tempo in September 2002. He remained in the role until his retirement in 2020.

Paying tribute, Bishop Larry Duffy described Fr Halton as a priest who "gave great service to people" throughout his life and ministry.

"Fr John Halton was a Meath man through and through but he always met people where they were and ministered Christ's mercy and peace to them in their joys and sorrows, their fears and their hopes," said Bishop Duffy.

He noted that, alongside his parish duties, Fr Halton supported people with special needs through the Faith and Light Movement and also served as Vocations Director in the diocese.

Bishop Duffy extended his sympathies to Fr Halton's sister Betty, brother Charlie, extended family, fellow clergy and parishioners.

"May Christ, the eternal Priest, bring Fr John to the fullness of light, happiness and peace in the kingdom of heaven," he said.

Funeral arrangements

Fr Halton will repose at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tempo, today (Tuesday) from 10am. Family members and parishioners will be present throughout the day. Vigil prayers will take place at 7pm and the church will close at 10pm.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tempo, tomorrow (Wednesday, September 30) at 12 noon. Afterwards, the funeral cortege will travel to St Mary's Cemetery, Moynalty, Co Meath, with burial expected to take place at approximately 4pm.

Fr Halton's Funeral Mass can be viewed live via the parish webcam at: www.pobalparish.com/webcam.html