Bishop Kevin Doran has announced a number for Diocesan appointments in Achonry, prompted by the resignation of two Parish Priests with over 100 years of Ministry between them.
Fr. Thomas Johnston has announced that he will be stepping down from his responsibility for the governance and pastoral care of Charlestown Parish. He will continue to live in the area.
Fr. Johnston served in the parishes of Achonry, Buninadden (at Killavil), and Collooney before becoming Parish Priest of Achonry in 1992 and of Charlestown in 2003. He also served twice on the staff of St. Nathy’s College and was Vicar General for ten years.
Fr. Thomas Towey will be stepping down from his responsibility for the governance and pastoral care of the parish of Ballisodare. He will be resident in Ballaghaderreen.
Fr. Towey served in Bonniconlon, Charlestown and Kiltimagh, before becoming PP of Bonniconlon in 1992 and then Ballisodare in 2007. He was also on the teaching staff of St. Nathy’s College for twelve years.
Bishop Doran has appointed Fr. John Maloney, Adm. Attymass, as Parish Priest of Charlestown.
Fr. Gerard Cryan, who is a member of the teaching staff at Summerhill College, has been appointed Administrator of the Parish of Ballisodare.This move reflects the new closer relationship between the two Dioceses.
It has also been announced this weekend that Fr. Steve Gibson (Congregation of the Holy Cross), who is the Director Emeritus of the Fr. Peyton Memorial Centre, will be moving on Sunday 15 to Holy Cross House, Notre Dame in the USA.
In a post on Facebook, the Diocese of Achonry said that Fr. Steve has been a great friend of the Diocese and has worked closely with the Diocesan clergy of Achonry for many years.
They extended their prayers and best wishes to him for good health.
