The Bishop of Clogher, Dr Joseph Duffy has announced the following clerical changes for the Diocese of Clogher to take effect from 1st September next:
Monsignor Sean Cahill, PP, Enniskillen to retire as PP and to continue as Administrator of St Michael's Diocesan and Education Trusts (NI).
Rev Joseph McGuinness, St Michael's College, to be PP, Enniskillen.
Canon Macartan McQuaid, PP, Clones to be chaplain to St Michael's College and Mount Lourdes, Enniskillen, and Diocesan Adviser for Adult Faith Development.
Very Rev Larry Duffy, PP, Cúl Máine (Ederney) to be PP, Clones.
Rev Brendan Gallagher, CC, Enniskillen to be PP, Cúl Máine (Ederney).
Canon Peter McGuinness, PE, Inniskeen to retire from ministry.
Rev Martin Treanor, CC, Tydavnet to be PP, Inniskeen and Killanny.
Canon Sean Clerkin, PP, Donagh to be PE, Tydavnet.
Rev Hubert Martin, CC, Monaghan to be PP, Donagh.
Very Rev Edmond Maguire, PP, Donaghmoyne to be PE, Donaghmoyne.
Rev Michael Daly, CC, Donaghmoyne to be PP, Donaghmoyne.
Rev Peter O'Reilly, CC, Roslea to be PP, Roslea.
Rev Padraig McKenna, CC, Monaghan to be CC, Machaire Rois.
Rev James McPhillips, CC, Machaire Rois to be CC, Killanny.
Rev John F. McKenna to be chaplain to St Macartan's Home, Clogher
Rev John Chester, St Macartan's College to be CC and co-ordinator of parish ministries, Monaghan.
Rev Noel McConnell to be Diocesan Adviser to second-level schools (RI) and CC pro tem, Inniskeen and Killanny.
EXTENSIVE
Bishop Duffy, speaking to the 'Herald', agreed that this year's changes were quite extensive: "They're in fact more extensive than usual. It just happens that way more than anything else. We are of course aware of the reduced number of active priests. The average age of priests is increasing all the time and, obviously, that impacts on the workload that a priest is capable of taking on board".
He went on: "We have some young men and we have made the most of that, but the changes do suggest there will be more lay involvement".
Dr Duffy then held up the priesthood as a career option.
"It is a very rewarding vocation and, also, it is very much needed in today's world, probably more needed than in the past when people's faith was something that could be taken or granted, in other words, people's values' system and people's understanding of right and wrong.
"The world we are living in today is one where things are so much in flux, and there is special need for someone who is absolutely certain of their vocation in the priesthood. That's a marvellous asset".
Turning to the change of direction for Monsignor Sean Cahill and his replacement as Parish Priest of Enniskillen by Fr Joseph McGuinness, who has also been given the title Vicar General (a stand-in for a bishop), Dr Duffy said Mgr Cahill had many active years ahead of him in a slightly different capacity.
"His new responsibility (Administrator of St Michael's Diocesan and Education Trusts) needs hands-on attention. It is of vital importance for the new generation and, having him there means we can offer the best possible service".
Dr Duffy said Mgr Cahill's successor, Fr Joseph McGuinness, who was ordained in 1984, was an obvious appointment: "He is in the fullness of life, health and experience"
