Published on 11/09/2009

The annual Assembly of Priests took place on 1 September 2009 and was followed by a two day course on the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament......

12 September 2009

The Assembly of Priests took place on 1 September and was followed by a two day course on the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament. I think we all benefited from the presentations given by Fr. Luca, who teaches Scripture in Rome, and enjoyed our few days together.

Retirement

Canon lain MacMaster is retiring after 44 years of priestly ministry in the diocese. His last Sunday in Rothesay will be October 4th and he will leave during the following week. We thank him for his years of service, during which he gave spiritual guidance and comfort to
many people, and wish him good health and happiness in the time ahead.

Clergy Parish Appointments

With Canon lain MacMaster's retirement I have asked Fr Michael Hutson to take over from him as Parish Priest of St. Andrew's, Rothesay. This appointment will begin on Thursday 8th October.

Fr Michael will be replaced in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Castlebay by Fr John Paul MacKinnon, beginning on the same day.

I thank both Frs. Michael and John Paul for agreeing to move after reasonably short times in their present appointments and our prayers go with them in their new posts.

A supply priest will provide cover at St. Mun's Ballachulish for a short period until a permanent appointment can be made.

Diocesan Curial Appointments

The new Vicar General of the Diocese, from Thursday 1 October, will be Mgr James MacNeil, Parish Priest of Our lady of the Assumption, Portree, Isle of Skye. Many thanks to Mgr Donald MacKinnon for his years of service as Vicar General.

Canon Donald MacKay, Administrator of St Columba's Cathedral, will succeed Canon lain MacMaster as Chancellor, also from Thursday 1 October.

Fr Michael Hutson will succeed Canon William Fraser as Diocesan Vocations Director. Thanks also to Canon Billy for his work for Vocations and in the Seminary Applicants' Year and for our seminarians.

Deaneries

The three new deans, appointed as from this weekend, are:

St Andrew's Deanery
(Campbeltown, Dunoon, Lochgilphead, Oban, Rothesay, Taynuilt)
Canon William Fraser

St Margaret's Deanery
(Arisaig, Caol, Fort William, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Kingussie, Mingarry, Morar, Roy Bridge, Skye)

Monsignor Donald MacKinnon

St Michael's Deanery
(Ardkenneth, Benbecula, Bornish, Castlebay, Daliburgh, Eriskay, Northbay, Stornoway)
Fr Michael MacDonald

Rt Rev. Joseph A. Toal
Bishop of Argyll & the Isles