AUGUST 2007

Moville's new Parish Priest

Fr. Paddy O'Kane, originally from Culdaff, has moved from Holy Family parish in Derry to take over as parish priest in Moville, from Fr. George McLaughlin. Fr. McLaughlin has spent the last 20 years here and is stepping down now as he has reached the age of retirement. Fr. O'Kane was installed in Moville on Sunday 19th August 2007.

Fr. O'Kane studied in St. Patrick's College Maynooth and was ordained to the priesthood on 10th June 1973, in St. Pius X Church, Moville. He served as curate at St. Eugene's Cathedral and Mourne (Melmount) and was appointed Administrator at Holy Family Church, Derry in 1990.

The following is a letter from Fr. O'Kane in this week's Parish Bulletin.

Thank you for your welcome here last weekend and thanks to all involved, musicians, choir, readers, stewards, altar servers and sacristan. I was overwhelmed. It was an emotional occasion as I had been ordained in that same church on 10th June 1973, together with my good friends, Fr. Con McLaughlin and Fr. Declan Boland. I also remember being present at the funeral of another good friend, Fr. Tom O'Gara in 1982 and at Fr. George McLaughlin's Golden Jubilee last year. I thank him for his good wishes, his help with my move and in showing me the ropes. I will need his advice for some time to come. I am also grateful to Fr. McGoldrick for his most gracious welcome in last Sunday's ceremony - and keeping me right. I look forward to getting to know you and to working with him in serving you, the good people of this wonderful parish.

Fr. Paddy O'Kane, PP

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