Archdiocese of Glasgow
It’s all change in the Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow where Archbishop William Nolan this week announced a raft of new appointments, which will take effect during the month of September.A significant number of these appointments as parish priests and administrators involves clergy who are not indigenous to Scotland and some of whom are from Africa.
And they include the news that the Xaverian Missionaries, an Italian order who over the past century have had a presence in Glasgow, Coatbridge and Cardross, which is now part of Argyll and Bute, are withdrawing from the Archdiocese.
Local news in the announcement includes the fact that Father Patrick Currie, parish priest of Saint Joseph’s, Milngavie, is to retire.
Father Currie is part of a large well-known Dumbarton family from Brucehill. His brother, the late Father David Currie was also a priest who served in Clydebank for a time.
Father John Lyons, who was once parish priest at St Michael’s in the West End has been appointed to replace Father Pat Currie parish priest of Saint Joseph’s, Milngavie.
Monsignor John Hughes, pictured left, parish priest of Saint Joseph’s, Helensburgh, and chaplain to Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School in Dumbarton, is to retire.Father Gregory Zungdet is appointed parish administrator of Saint Joseph’s, Helensbugh, and parish administrator of Saint Gildas’, Rosneath.
Father Michael Maloney, who is chaplain to HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane and Coulport has been appointed parish priest of Saint Andrew’s, Bearsden. He was formerly an assistant priest at St Peter’s in Bellsmyre, Dumbarton, which is now closed.
Canon David Wallace is appointed administrator of Saint Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Clyde Street, Glasgow. Canon Wallace has served as an assistant priest at St Patrick’s, Dumbarton.
Father Vincent Toal, pictured below left, is appointed parish priest of Saint Mahew’s, Cardross (in addition to Saint Michael’s, Dumbarton). Father Toal, a journalist who once edited Flourish, the official journal of the archdiocese, is appointed parish priest of Saint Mahew’s, Cardross, in addition to Saint Michael’s, Cardross Road, Dumbarton, where he is already in residence.
Father Peter Dowling SSS is appointed parish priest of Saint Michael’s, Parkhead, and Sacred Heart Bridgeton.
And Father Renato (Rene) Esoy SSS is appointed Parish Priest of Saint Columba’s Parish with responsibility for the pastoral care of the Filipino Community.
Father Benneth Onyebuchukwu is appointed parish priest of Saint Albert’s, Pollokshields (in addition to Saint Helen’s), while Canon Thomas White is appointed parish priest of Holy Cross, Croy.
Father Joseph Sullivan is the new parish priest of Saint Bartholomew’s, Castlemilk and Saint Margaret Mary’s, Castlemilk, Glasgow.
Father Paulinus Okechukwu is appointed parish administrator of Our Lady and Saint Helen’s, Condorrat, East Dunbartonshire.
Canon Tommy Hendry, formerly parish priest of Saint Teresa of Lisieux, has retired. His successor is Father Paul McAlinden who is appointed Parish Administrator of Saint Teresa of Lisieux, Possilpark.
Father John Mulholland, once parish priest of St Martin of Tours in Renton, West Dunbartonshire, is appointed parish priest of Saint Mary’s, Calton and Saint Alphonsus’, Calton.
Father Liam McMahon is appointed parish priest of Saint Margaret’s, in East Barns Street, Clydebank, and Our Holy Redeemer, in Dumbarton Road, ClydebankFather Joseph Mackle is appointed parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Cardonald.
Father John Twist SJ is leaving the Jesuit community at Saint Aloysius’ and is being replaced by Father Ladislav (Laco) Šulik SJ
Deacon Paul McNair is appointed to Our Lady and Saint Helen’s, Condorrat, while Deacon Michael O’Donnell is appointed to Saint Constantine’s, Govan
Archbishop Nolan said: “Please remember all these priests and deacons in prayer in coming weeks as they prepare for these new stages in their lives of service to God and His Church.”
Pictured left Fr Vincent Toal. Top of page: St Joseph’s RC Church in Helensburgh.