Having reviewed the pastoral needs of the people of the Diocese of Down and Connor, Bishop Alan McGuckian S.J. announces the following retirements – reassignment and appointments with effect from Saturday 31st August 2024.
Retirements – Reassignment
Very Rev Sean Gilmore formerly Parish Priest of Lower Mourne (Glassdrumman & Ballymartin) to be Pastor Emeritus.
Very Rev John McManus formerly Parish Priest of Strangford (Kilclief) to be Pastor Emeritus.
Rev Paul Morely formerly Assistant Priest in the Parish of St Bernadette and Parish of Holy Rosary and Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar community, returned to his home diocese of Ernakulam – Angamaly, India.
Appointments
Very Rev Aidan Brankin to be Parish Priest of the Parish of Strangford (Kilclief) and Parish Priest of Saul & Ballee residing in Saul.
Very Rev Colin Crossey to be Parish Priest of the Parish of Lower Mourne (Glassdrumman & Ballymartin).
Very Rev Anthony McAleese to be Administrator of the Parish of St Oliver Plunkett and Bank Chaplain in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Very Rev Robert McMahon to be Administrator of the Parish of Christ the Redeemer.
Rev Andrew Black to pursue doctorate studies in Sacred Scripture.
Rev Anish Mathew[1] to be Assistant Priest in the Parish of Drumbo and Carryduff, available within the Pastoral Community and assistant Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar community.
Rev Jose Bharanikulangara[2] to be Assistant Priest in the Parish of St Bernadette and the Parish of Holy Rosary, available within the Pastoral Community and Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar Community.
I would like to record my thanks to all involved in and affected by these appointments for their co-operation and I wish them God’s blessing, good health and fulfilment in their respective ministries.
With every blessing and good wish,
I gCroí Íosa
+Alan McGuckian SJ
Bishop of Down and Connor