Monday 7 May 2018

FATHER GATES MISSING FROM MAGHERAFELT

JOHN GATES PP - MAGHERAFELT


THE PARISH PRIEST OF MAGHERAFELT, WHO REFUSED CONREE MULDOON HIS FIRST HOLY COMMUNION HAS NOW SUDDENLY DISAPPEARED FROM THE PARISH.

Here is the sequence of events:

1. Father Gates refuses Conree Muldoon his First Holy Communion.

2. The Muldoon family turn to me for help.

3. I email Father Gates and his bishop Eamon Martin.



Pat Buckley

Fri 27/04/2018, 11:35

jgatesbrack@gmail.com;
Rev. John Gates PP
Magherafelt.

Dear John,

I was contacted yesterday by one of your parishioners - Mr. Raphael Muldoon - who told me that you are refusing First Holy Communion this year to his son, Conri.

I was shocked to hear this and do not believe your reasons for this refusal have validity - not to mention compassion.

At the time when the Church is in serious decline, why do you seek to alienate this young family?

I would ask you to reconsider your position.

If you continue to refuse this boy his First Holy Communion, I will personally come to Magherafelt to administer the Sacrament to him.

In that event, I will also be involving the media in what I see as a very abusive decision by you that will traumatize a little 8-year-old boy.

Yours etc.

+Pat Buckley

COPY: Archbishop Eamon Martin.

FATHER GATES IN HAPPIER TIMES


4. Father Gates asks school principal Ms. Joan Bell to ring Mr. Muldoon and arrange a meeting in the school for the three of them on Friday, May 4th 2018.

5. Mr. Muldoon agrees.

6. On Tuesday the school principal rings Mr. Muldoon to say that the meeting is not necessary and that Conree will be receiving his Holy Communion with the other children as planned on May 12th.

7. A notice appears in the parish bulletin saying that Father Gates is under the care of doctors and will not be in Magherafelt for the foreseeable future.

8. A parishioner spots Father Gates in Donegal wearing a pink shirt and walking with another man.

9. Friends of Father Gates in Magherafelt say he has gone on leave until September and has asked Eamon Martin to send him, at that stage, to a new parish.

10. News emerges of Father Gates multiple disputes with the local undertakers and the church groundsman - and an out of court settlement over an accusation of physical assault.


In any event, Conree will get his First Holy Communion next Saturday.

Only John Gates and Eamon Martin know the background to the whole issue.

This week Armagh has another priest "off the mission".


FATHER GATES PUBLISHED THIS PIC OF HIMSELF RIDING A HORSE AT AINTREE RACES

For now, though, Father Gates seems have fallen off the Magherafelt Parish pony.

That's what happens if you are too handy with the whip!


-----------------------------------------------------------


TOMORROWS BLOG

PRIEST PSYCHOLOGIST REFLECTS ON CLOYNE / KILDORRERY 

SEX SACRILEGE 


201 comments:

  1. Farewell Fr. Bully.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unhappy people make subordinates and others unhappy too.
      It is a fact of life.

      Delete
    2. Pat Buckley sure ur no stranger to controversy yourself.sounds like you had some kind of personal beef with John and u couldn't wait to jump all over this.U mouth.Fr John never done anything bad to me or anyone I kno so I remember him as the decent man that he is and theree are a lot who'll agree with me.u can stick ur opinions.

      Delete
  2. No doubt this has been stressful for Fr Gates. I am glad he has a friend to talk to.

    I am looking forward to the priest psychologist post too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well done, Bishop Pat. We may not always agree, but I think, on this, we are of one mind: without your incisive blog, the institutional Romanan Catholic Church (which is a big-enough w***e), would be even bigger without it. So, thank you for keeing this ..... in check. 😆

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magna do you know Magherafelt then?

      Delete
    2. 10:39, I d... .🍷


      MAGGIE CARTA

      Sorry, luv. I'm 's ma, an' he's just passed out agean. That's the fourth time the day, so it is.

      I towel 'im t' stay aff thon oul Buckfast. But he niver listens t' his mammy's advice. Truth is he can't howl his drink. Not like me.

      He'll come roun' in a wile.

      Delete
    3. 14.03: Mags dear, what a pity you should degrade yourself and appear all so dysfunctional. Your effort at humour doesn't work: humour and drunkenness rarely go together. Rather, in drink, you lose your dignity, as is happening to you. What, we wonder, will be your ultimate undoing? Get help.

      Delete
    4. 22:04, you really can't tell the difference between make-believe and reality, can you? 😆

      Delete
    5. 23.28: Mags, my dear, the only difference I need to know is that I am very different from you. I know and value my self respect. I respect others, I live in reality in a real, open world involving interaction with others. Therefore my human development is not stuck in pre puberty!!I thank my excellent Catholic teachers for their broad, wide, holistic education. So, please get help before you fall off the cliff. We care.

      Delete
  4. That's no way to speak about an ex-Senior Sacristan of Maynooth.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It’s rather interesting that Fr Gates has published a picture of himself and his sidekick in the Parish at Aintree. Both of them are not on horseback but on donkeys, quite appropriate I think. This man in the parish and Fr Gates are like two peas in a pod and he s the bingo caller along with Gates on a Sunday night in the parish - they have been the talk of the area for sometime by many parishioners.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I know..!
      It is a very sinful occupation, that bingo calling business ! LOL

      Delete
    2. There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.(Oscar Wilde)

      Delete
    3. Sounds very like a similar quote Fr Gates has used in the past.

      Delete
    4. There is one thing in life worse than being talked about. And that is being talked about for all the wrong reasons.

      Delete
    5. 07.57 The nickname of his parish buddy is McEniff. They go everywhere together - even riding donkeys at Aintree.

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    6. Priests must have loads of time on their hands bingo calling. Is Magherafelt a small parish then? I thought the days of priests controlling even the bingo where long gone.

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    7. Magherafelt is a very big parish with a reduced number of priests.

      Father Gates specialised in bingo and amateur dramatics.

      He also liked to sing solos during Mass.

      Delete
    8. That is true. Some parishioners called him "The Elvis if Armagh".

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    9. Reminds me of another showman priest from Fermanagh but now in Crossgar. It's all about look at me me me

      Delete
    10. 9.50 jealousy jealousy gets u everywhere or nowhere.
      Depending on your lifestyle.
      Try getting a life of your own.

      Delete
    11. Bingo is the bizz.

      You & me, number 3

      Man alive, number 5

      Unlucky for some, number 13

      Dancing Queen, 17

      Danny La Rue, 52

      Man at the door, 54

      Tickety-boo, 62

      Top of the shop, 90

      Delete
    12. Now there's always an upside... Please God his silly sidekick will get the bus to donegal too!

      Delete
  6. Sounds like the poor man had issues long before your intervention, +Pat. However, it’s thanks to you he is now seeking proper medical and/or psychiatric treatment.

    ReplyDelete
  7. “Only John Gates and Eamon Martin know the background to the whole issue.”

    I am sure only a few weeks ago, this would have read more like: “Only Ms Gates and Amy know the background to the whole issue.” LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I hope Fr Gates is proud of the fact that he reduced elderly female parishioners to tears by shouting at them in such an aggressive way. Thank you Bishop Pat for resolving this. I know several parishioners did write to Archbishop Eamon but I’m glad you seem to have ended this campaign of bullying by this man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have had a number of these ladies in touch with me.

      I have a meeting today with a number of them.

      Delete
    2. Can we expect to hear more about this control freak after your meeting with parishioners of Magherafelt? I believe Eamon Martin is visiting the parish in a few weeks time

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    3. You can expect that.

      I will also be relaying all the representations made to me to EM.

      Delete
    4. Did you meet with these ladies?I didn't think so.

      Delete
  9. Is it not sad that the only place we parishioners of Magherafelt had to turn to was Bishop Buckley? Why has our own archbishop allowed this sore to fester for years? But of course we are exceedingly grateful to Bishop Buckley.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems that this is the way for parishioners accross the country lately. Bishops don't care enough to act on complaints. The institutional Church still acts as though they are above morality.

      Delete
  10. From what I read eminating from parishioners of this parish is that they seem to have been liberated and have found their voice. Perhaps they should write a book entitled 'I know why the caged bird sings'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sure they could come up with a less clichéd title than that if they should write a book..

      Delete
  11. Pat, would this be the same Fr Gates who was Cahal Daly's private Secretary? Both where rather small men I believe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The very same.

      SMS Small Man Syndrome.

      Delete
    2. 10.48: Pat, name calling and ridiculing is childish. Does nothing for real debate. It's nasty and unnecessary.

      Delete
    3. Pat, 10.48: there are many syndromes you suffer from but we'll be kind and refrain from childish, imbicilic name calling. I wonder if, when any person, who is psychologically unwell, deserve horrendous judgments made about them. If Fr. Gates is receiving treatment of any kind, despite the hurt he may have caused others, does he deserve to be subjected to nasty, unkind and un-Christian commentary? As a former teacher, I encountered many awkward, difficult teachers, some crazy in their behaviour, but if a colleague was emotionally, mentally or spiritually unwell, we never subjected them to abusive analysis. None of us is wholly perfect and yes, we can get things very wrong at times necessitating professional help, but ridiculing, mocking and name calling is not productive in any person's rehabilitation. There is a merciless cohort on this blog who delight in the downfall of others.

      Delete
    4. I don't believe that John Gates is unwell.

      I believe he is dangerously well!

      I think he has taken a huff when his bullying was challenged.

      There has been a litany of bullying in Magherafelt endured by old ladies, teachers, class room assistants, children, parents etc.

      Bullies need to be challenged in very robust terms.

      Delete
    5. 13.56 It’s easy for you to take the moral high ground when you have not been on the receiving end of verbal abuse, threats and being belittled in front of others. Would you like your parents being subjected to this? It’s easy for you to sit on the fence.

      Delete
    6. You are absolutely correct and many many people have suffered, many have left their jobs, good teachers and classroom assistants. Fr Gates, as Trustee representative of the educational establishments, not only condoned bullying and harrassment, but also participated. The pigeons have finally come home to roost.

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    7. Little wonder then he's now getting the medical attention and psychiatric supervision he so desperately needs.

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    8. John Gates was very full of himself when he was a student, for no apparent reason. He has a mega-ego.

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    9. You're not 6'4" yourself...suffer from the same sms? If you had a prayful life then you wouldn't use such language in any of your posts Pat. You never convey a life modelled on Christ..never. Forgiveness, none, love of neighbour none. Lovely example of a shepherd.

      Delete

  12. Gates has also treated the Irish language school in Magherafelt appallingly, refusing to let them make their sacraments through Irish even though he’s a fluent speaker. The children have to leave their own parish and make holy communion elsewhere!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. He also insists the pupils of the local special needs school are separated from First Holy Communion and they make it separate from the main First Holy Communion ceremony on their own. Disgraceful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I dont think thats true as a parent of one of those children from Kilronan making their Holy Communion on Saturday we actually prefer to have our own ceremony as the kids can't handle large crowds and much prefer to do it this way!

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    2. As another parent of a child making their first holy communion with Kilronan on Saturday. I agree with the previous parent, small groups suit better for the kids.

      Delete
    3. As another parent of a child making their first holy communion with Kilronan on Saturday. I agree with the previous parent, small groups suit better for the kids.

      Delete
  14. Can u lot leave the fella alone.
    I’ve lived in my parish for almost 60 years and have had no truck with the priest.
    Just get on with providing for your families and leave the poor fellas alone to have their flings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Which monastery is he staying at...Rossnowlagh?
      Wonder how the parishioners of Maghera felt feel about this?

      Delete
  15. A possible temporary solution to the absent-priest problem in Magherafelt: the all too early retired Fr Eamon Murray of Northampton diocese and now in Dromore ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Father Murray has been saying Mass in Magherafelt.

      Delete
    2. I think Fr. Murray is supplying south of the Border at present.

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    3. He should be supplying in his own diocese of Northampton. It's so selfish.

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    4. He is living in a property in N. Ireland owned by Northampton Diocese who are more thab happy for him to supply and live there. If Northampton where not happy with this they wouldn't allow it to happen. If you need someone to address your obvious sour grapes 13.37 & 19.02 why don't you write to Bishop Peter Doyle rather than writing such petty nonsense on here from your computer in England.

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    5. 19.02 - And you are just so ridiculous to make such an inane comment. Stay in bed...and mind your own business.

      Delete
    6. I shall write to Bishop Doyle. He needs to know.

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    7. 23.16 Do write to Bishop Doyle and let us know his response as he already knows. Better still, write to Pope Francis, why stop at Bishop Doyle.

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    8. Fr Murray is from Maghersfelt.

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    9. Actually there are two Father Eamon Murray,s one from the north and the other from the south of Ireland. I have known Father Eamon Murray from my days at St Pius Magherafelt. we have been good friends an never ever have I known him to be selfish. I can't believe why some people are so hypocritical about any priest. If you look at Magherafelt parish the amount of priests ordained down the years who were brought up with a good religion maybe others should practice their religion instead of criticising good priests.

      Delete
    10. It's not religion that's required it' personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The best of men are men at best.

      Delete
  16. Off on leave until September? A four-month break?

    Genteel strolling in Donegal with a companion?

    Who is paying for this leisurely lifestyle?

    Oh, silly me: the laity are. Baaaaa🐑

    These 'holy' priests really know how to look after themselves, don't they? Yeah, with other people's hard-earned money.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good point. Nobody else gets such an option. And normal 'self-employed' people would earn nothing while taking a career-break.

      Delete
  17. Maybe Sean Brady could do a bit of mass saying.
    He is only 80, I know plenty of farmers working away at 80 and beyond
    Ohiforgot...people do not want Sean Brady near them...so he gets to spend our money travelling...off to Lourdes this Saturday. I presume.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No need to get 80 year olds saying Mass. There are two deans and two spiritual directors for 20+ sems in Maynooth, Tim Bartlett, Hugh Connolly in Paris, teaching priests, full-time bishop secretaries, chancellors and youth workers. Look to them first.

      Delete
  18. Afternoon, your grace

    ReplyDelete
  19. In a rather bizarre turn of events, in commenting on the Dorerry scandal, the Traditio network says it was brought to the attention of the local bishop by a 'traditional' Catholic Bishop!
    Does this mean you've changed sides since Archbishop Lefebvre called you a notorious modernist? Or does it merely mean that the church is in such a shambles that anyone who is bothered by an altar being used for sex looks like a trad?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Any outcome of Emergency Bishops meeting last night called by the Papal Nuncio and Eamon Martin at Maynooth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw a comment referring to that meeting on yesterday's blog but I thought it was sarcasism. Did the bishops really meet up?

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    2. There'll be a statement on the IBC website soon.

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    3. there was no such meeting.

      rc_eire2016

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    4. They'll probably just announce that there'll be extra Rosary sessions in the college, while ignoring the issues. I'm not holding my breath for the press release following the emergency meeting.

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  21. Imagine been a fly on the wall in that meeting?. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 18.04: "Imagine BEING a fly ON the wall at that meeing" - the correct grammatical sentence. Happy Harry, just imagine - what do you imagine?

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    2. @18.35 I think you mispelt meeting as 'meeing'.

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    3. 20.05.....Very good. How the script can slip away before correction which I spotted but pressed publish too fast!! I cannot stand misspellings or bad grammar. My good Catholic Education taught me well...

      Delete
    4. @20.05
      I think you misspelt 'Misspelt'.

      Delete
  22. Pat, Archbishop EM must be raging with you. You've put three of his priests out of commission and the bills coming in from America for Rory and McCamley are massive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :-)

      He has never expressed that rage

      :-)

      Delete
    2. Who or what are you for anyone to express their rage to!!!
      A sad idealistic person!

      Delete
    3. @18:13

      They are incurable romantics.

      Delete
  23. Pat, I hear on good authority that Fr. Gates has planned a trip to America. Hardly something you plan or do whilst being Ill.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 18.45: Get a grip on yourself. Leave Fr. Gates alone. Who authorised you to be a watchman for his every move and decision? You fool - you are contemptible.

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    2. San Francisco? Probably.

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    3. 21.50 Is that you McEniff?

      Delete
  24. ***Pat***

    Ciaran O'Carroll does not want you to know that there is a scandal currently under development in the Irish college Rome. Some students went missing over night over another gay scandal!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That’s nonsense. The Irish College is okay. Nothing unfolding there. There are 5 men from Dublin and none of them are part of the so called overnight disappearance act.

      Delete
    2. There's no smoke without fire.

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    3. Hey +Pat this story is true. Take a closer look.

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    4. What about Connor Gannon? I know someone that has a nude picture of him that he took in Maynooth. The clock is ticking for Gannon. The clock is ticking!!

      Delete
  25. Sean Brady is on the retreat circuit since retiring. Last year he led the Raphoe clergy retreat and it was so good that he's now leading one for Clogher in June. Sad that there's no one except a 79 year old retired bishop to give a clergy retreat.

    ReplyDelete
  26. 20.01: A very stupid comment. Of course there are innumerable people, men and women, religious and laity, who are quite capable of directing retreats. Cardinal Brady, despite his many errors of judgments and flaws, has much to offer by way of prayer, insight, spirituality and experience. I once attended - reluctantly - a retreat directed by him, only to discover, I had completely misjudged him. I bought into the negative narrative too much. Often out of horrendous personal experiences, we can each learn valuable lessons and share our wisdom. We shouldn't write people off completely on grounds of their age.

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  27. They should invite +Pat

    ReplyDelete
  28. Maybe he tells them how to make reprehension for past sins.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This goes deeper than Fr gates syndrome. It points to something about the church that is not right

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  30. Father Gates was the priest who married my daughter and her husband and also he performed the baptism of two of my grandchildren. In his favour he went out of his way to be helpful and agreeable to all of the family circle and friends. We were all very happy with all of the celebrations and we all think very highly of Father Gates.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just as a priest will not be liked by all parishioners neither shall he be hated by all parishioners. A person is not all good or all bad.

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    2. Good stuff. More people like you need to speak out.

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    3. I've seen both those sides.Its a personality issue! I hope this journey ends with healing for all involved.

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    4. His pay must have been good - I'm told a levy has been set and must be paid in order for these entitled Sacraments to be performed. God help the less well off of the Parish especially the elderly.

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  31. "Blessed are you when they persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny about you on my account, For your reward will be great in Heaven"

    Will you fall into this account Pat? I certainly don't think so, God help your poor soul!
    And I'm a sinner but do believe I live out the Gospel in a more meaningful way than you and I'm not a cleric!
    You'd put the devil of becoming a Cleric!

    ReplyDelete
  32. 22.23 I’m afraid your praise of Fr Gates (genuine though it be) will not help to quell the tears and distress to all those he has upset including the elderly.

    ReplyDelete
  33. So he was caught in Donegal wearing a pink shirt? This is absolutely scandalous news. Who does he Think he is..Mick Wallace?

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  34. There was a point raised about a levy being placed on the celebration of certain sacraments eg marriage and baptism. While I understand that some people including myself are not as financially well off as others we need to put matters into priority here. How much money would be spent on the total cost of a wedding or baptism on things such as a fake tan make up hair do etc. There does not seem to be a cry for hardship when budgeting for these items etc. Then balance that out against the cost of heating and lighting the church etc and the costs involved with maybe getting the church opened etc and the priests and the caretakers time. It is only correct that a stipend should be given to the officiating priest and caretaker as a mark of thanks and respect to cover their time spent and costs involved

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As you have quite rightly stated "we need to put matters into priority here, I would point out a stipend is something different; In this case, it is a freewill offering given to the Priest who officiated at the Sacrament/s. Never should it be indicated that this offering is fixed,or even expected, as is the case in Magherafelt parish and many others too I might add, since it is purely voluntary.

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    2. I totally agree with paying a stipend - it's the "levy" I disagree with and I'm sure you will appreciate the difference.

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  35. I don't think I could call him a priest. A priest is kind caring compassionate understanding forgiving etc...etc....You get the Jist ..After what he did to my mother and other people in the town he deserves to be sought out and all his bulling made public... He is a disgrace

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    Replies
    1. Just a spoilt boy used to getting his own way and he will be spitting venom at finally being ousted. Why didn't he do the manly thing and offer his parishioners an apology or at least accept some part in this instead of going into hiding - we all make mistakes, we can all misintrepret things, that's human nature. The only difference here is it's not human nature, it's bullying and when a bully has been confronted the power has been taken away from them and they run and hide, exactly what has happened in this instance. Thank you Bishop Pat for ousting a bully.

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    2. I am agreeing with those who have spoken out against Fr Gate's bullying ways!! He has reduced me to tears when I mentioned that the committee before him thought him to be a dreadful bully!! Needless to say there was no one standing beside me, Except my husband, so I quit, so did He!!
      I have had the displeasure of crossing his path two or three times since we quit and each meeting more harrowing than the last!! My husband has been unwell, something that he knew, yet Fr Gates always managed to strip any dignity he had left from him.
      If he is sick, I wish him well.
      If he is just avoiding the deluge of complaint, he deserves to STAY and LISTEN! But only if someone can make him keep his mouth shut!! And HEAR!!!

      Delete
  36. He has done soo much for the Magherafelt parish i for one would be sad to see him leave.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. His work ethic is to be commended, that was never in question, however, for the many people he's humiliated, belittled and threatened I can see this trait being of little comfort to them. I for one slept well since I heard he may be leaving having been on the receiving end of his bully boy tactics. I think that qualifies me to make a comment.

      Delete
  37. How long before the Nolan radio show gets wind of this and people get an opportunity to speak out about how they were actually treated - sometimes that can be therapeutic in itself?? I'm actually surprised it hasn't reached the media yet.

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    Replies
    1. You should get on to a Priest who comes from Magherafelt as he is good friends with Stephen Nolan. That would get your story on to the Nolan Radio Show pretty quickly. I hear Nolan is interviewing his Priest friend for a BBC TV programme soon.

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    2. It's about time the people stood up and addressed this scorge of bullying in Magherafelt - Priests, Principals and Boards of Governors must be held to account for their actions and destruction of people's lives and livelihoods - let's get Nolan to thrash it all out and bare the corruption that is rife in these establishments at this present time. Someone must know the "Priest Friend...

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    3. *scourge*

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    4. If anyone is a complete idiot to bring a waster like Nolan in on this parish upheaval is a complete fool like Nolan himself. Nolan has no religious beliefs what so ever. He had no faith. He just thinks he is the wee fat hard gub of Belfast people in this parish don't need the likes of him. This carry-on has got out of hand. Maybe think of the child an family Buckley has made a storyline out of fist Holy Communion. Do you not think the child has to be targeted like this. Shame on you all. I'm sure the family regret not knowing that this is out of line. Let the family have a bit of privacy for god's sake.

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    5. Who needs Nolan when he can't stand Catholic religion. He has no faith. We don't need the likes of him. He is just in for gossip. What about dragging the childs first holy communion into nolan show that's what this carry-on is all about. Can't the child an parents get bit of privacy. I'm sure they didn't expect this story to be made headlines. Above all we don't need Nolan.

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    6. Nolan is very much against the Catholic church and that is the reason why I never watch his show.

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  38. Well in reply to the comments about the levy that churches are charging please remember that if you want to get married in the city hall council offices etc , there will be a charge so the church is entitled to charge as well. Some people are so miserable they expect everything for nothing. Also I remember one Christmas morning I attended Mass in Magherafelt Father Gates was great with the children asked them all about their presents brought them all up onto the altar and gave them sweeties and spoke to them all and please no smart remarks about priests please.

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  39. You are quite right in that I would expect to be charged if I were to get married in the City Hall, Council offices etc. This charge may go towards the upkeep of the building, heating, manpower etc. This is a one-off payment.
    Having just recently received my new supply of church envelopes I note there are many contributions now being asked for eg; church restoration fund, upkeep of church property, retired priests fund - the list is extending on a yearly basis. I pay my dues dutifully every week in the expectation that this money is used for the intended purposes. This is a weekly payment I, like many other parishioners are making, hence, the reason why I should not be charged or levied again to use the Church and quite rightly why I should, of course pay the City Hall, Council offices etc.

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  40. Yes, quite a few Priests have taken children up on to the alter and given them sweeties.

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  41. I think most people will only say nasty things behind fr gates's back and not to his face.

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    Replies
    1. People are to scared to say anything to Fr Gates that challenges him. We know the outcome if they did, verbal abuse, threatening to ban them from HIS Church, treating them like crap. What a fine man he is, what sort of creature reduces the elderly to tears and enjoys it? Arrogant p**ck. If you attempt to challenge him his usual response is to call the police on you.

      Delete
    2. I challenged him to his face. I knew that there was only one choice open to me one I had told him that he was a bully!
      To make a long story short, he thanked me for having the courage to say it to his face, and then proceeded to reduce me to tears. at which time, I pointed out that he was doing it again!! Mafe no difference!! I have since left the church!!

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    3. No big loss then.

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    4. I am very sorry to hear this.You should not have been subjected to this and as a parishioner, I am ashamed that he did this to you. This is the ultimate betrayal of the church, a place that is supposed to offer sanctuary. My wife and I feel exactly the same and have stopped attending mass in the past 6 months and will not return if Fr. Gates returns. We will certainly consider attending Fr. Buckley's mass.

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  42. This man is nothing but a bully from the old to the young. A drama queen and a screaming queen if he didn't get his own way. He put his housekeepers through hell with fits of rage... Never liked the man always above everyone.

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  43. This man is nothing but a bully a drama queen and a screaming queen if he didn't get his own way. He bullied the old to the young with many in tears. Never liked the man came to my mother's to administer communion spent five mins hand out for his twenty pound and away.

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    1. Was it you that gave the £20 or your mother?If it was your mother that gave the money why should it bother you?

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    2. It bothered me greatly as I could quite clearly see he couldn't wait to get job done and out the door.. Rolling eyes and tutting while a frail pensioner rummaged in her purse!!

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  44. Yes i agree that Fr Gates was a well respected priest in magherafelt.There are always some people that like to complain no matter what.Everyone I know speaks very highly of him and what he has done for this parish.

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    1. Respect for ourselves guides our morals, Respect for others guides our Manners....

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    2. 18.43 You clearly don’t know very many people then. The number of people who have spoken well of him in the last few days you could fit easily into a telephone box.

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  45. Pat Buckley and Stephen Nolan both seem to hate the catholic church.Is it because the church is against homosexuality?

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    1. Didn't know the Catholic Church was against homosexuality, that's interesting and entirely without substance.

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  46. I do not feel he is well respected in Magherafelt. He has caused lasting damage to the material fabric of our parish. I don't agree with chopping down beautiful trees in Milltown. I don't agree with covering beautiful stained glass Windows with horrid pvc attachments. I don't agree with the cold clinical marble and blue in the Church of the Assumption. But moreover I don't agree with the insincerity of Fr Gates having witnessed his churned out routine at funerals even to the point where he called a deceased parishioner by the wrong name at his funeral. You could hear the gasps from the congregation. I was disgusted. That to me summed up the man.

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    1. He also sacked the man who cared for and maintained the cemetery for years. This mans Father also carried out the same role before him for many years also. No people skills and devoid of any personality.

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    2. Yes his name was McSwiggan

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  47. Comments are interesting and in general they could be applied to several other ordained ministers in Armagh. I first encountered John Gates in 1997 when he was Diocesan Secretary and engaged with him on regular basis for the next three years through a new Jubilee pastoral initiative. Without going into content of what I recall him saying about the then two Bishops he worked for...it brings up many concerns of inadequacy of formation training for ordained ministry. The formation system has failed.

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  48. I appreciate what you're saying and in many ways totally agree with you. However, I don't think any amount of formation training can address the behaviours in this instance and in particular refusing a hand shake to a parishioner in front of many others causing humiliation and all because he was challenged - the formation system is only as good as those who are willing to embrace it.

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  49. Leave the poor man alone he was only lining his pockets

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  50. Soo much anger and bitterness in these comments,you are clearly good CHRISTIANS.

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    1. If you had been affected by him you would understand.

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    2. I have read the comments like many many others now and I get a real sense of hurt, sadness, despair and even justice in many of these comments - As a Christian I also held out my hand to Fr Gates - he turned away. I'm baffled as to what exactly a "Good CHRISTIAN" might be or how you would expect a "good CHRISTIAN" to treat others as you have referenced in your comment above.

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  51. He also covered up bullying in the local schools. He knew about headteachers bullying staff and did sweet damn all about it. Hope the head teachers responsible know they are NEXT

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    1. Bring back Mary and Monsignor O'Byrne - Two 'Great' Leaders who didn't have to bully - they were both very confident in their own abilities and strengths which shone brightly out of the establishments they were entrusted with. A leader who lacks these qualities tends to bully, intimidate and harrass as has quite clearly been the case in this instance fuelled of course by the protection of the Trustee representative on the board of govs. So so sad to hear of the destruction that has been going on, the good staff who have left their profession altogether because of the appalling treatment they received at the hands of the bullies. Bring back Mary and Monsignor O'Byrne!

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  52. From my teaching back years ago nobody could put a price on saying a mass, just as you cannot buy a blessed object. I can't understand Fr Gates putting parishioners out of church or HIS church afterall it is the parishioners church.

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  53. Aye too right. I heard that Fr Gates has covered up bullying by Xxxxxxx who has ruined a good school. Also heard the rest of the governors are aware also. Time to name and shame them !!

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  54. As friends of Fr. John I hate to disappoint the very few individuals who are writing nasty comments on this horrible blog about him. Fr. John fully intends to return to Magherafelt soon, he has the support of his Archbishop and fellow Clergy. The ex teachers moaning about him from Magherafelt are disgruntled because they were proven to be ineffective, devisive and not open to change. It will be good to have Fr. John back very soon as our PP.

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    1. My family shall be glad to see his return.

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    2. Are you joking or are you Drunk.....He is a down right bully and if you don't see that you must be him ....

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  55. So you are stating that the Archbishop is knowingly going to support a bully. Let's see...

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  56. It's heartening to read your comment and devise from it that he has at least one friend left in the Parish. Disgruntled teachers, as you have chosen to call them is one thing but bullying old ladies and abusing power is a very different issue and says a lot about the Catholic Church who, in your own words, would appear to condone such behaviours regardless of creed, class or profession. Your comment disappoints me and just highlights the level of ignorance around these apalling incidents in Magherafelt.

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  57. He.s not wanted. Go back to coalisland were he can join his good friend From.joseph Quinn. Oh sorry he ain't a priest for years now after leaving a young 16yr old pregnant.

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  58. All of you publically attacking a priest (including those who have disguised an attack as support - theyre the worst) are hypocritical and sanctimonious bores. Shame on you.

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  59. Bishop Buckley, will someone be sent to Magherafelt to help out? We have only one older curate and a retired Priest. It's a big parish with Holy Communions, Confirmation, weddings and baptisms coming up plus weekends. I heard a Priest has turned down helping out here because he doesn't want to be involved and doesn't want to walk onto a toxic environment. Have you heard this?

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  60. Just heard in the parish centre today that Fr. Gates will be returning and has every intention of returning soon with the blessing of Archbishop Eamonn. That will be the end of the matter. We know the identity of the very small group of ex teachers and other staff who have been bullies themselves and trying to get their own way. Some in the parish are taking a dim view of them and their vendetta against the PP.

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    1. The parish centre is not a coffee shop but a gossip shop! A pile of oul dolls gassing and generally being busybodies. Always the same people in there gagging for the next bit of scandal and choking on their scones. Hypocrites.

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    2. Now at least I've got a laugh - hilariously descriptive but I'm sure fairly accurate

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  61. It appears that you are speaking on behalf of the parish.You should not be issuing veiled threats. It only serves to confirm and validate the ongoing issues.

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  62. I don't like the word 'soon' because you don't know when it's going to sneak up on you and turn into Now. Or, maybe it'll be the kind of 'soon' that never happens....

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  63. I would say he will be back at weekend for Holy communion. Keeping quiet incase Bishop Buckley appears.

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  64. 'Soon' ��

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  65. He is returning for 3rd of June. He can then continue managing the parish well as he always has. There are other parishes available if the small group of people are unhappy. They can go and make another PP's life a misery. Good riddance to bad rubbish is what I say.

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    1. Totally agree.Get rid of these trouble makers out of a very good parish.

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    2. Now, I'm totally confused. Who was it refused the child the Sacrament of Holy Communion and what started this debate in the first instance? I don't recall troublemakers being the initial issue here - maybe go back to the script..

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    3. The Diocesan position is that Fr Gates will not be returning for the foreseeable future and this was printed in the parish bulletin last weekend. Foreseeable future does not mean anytime soon, the use of words and their meaning is very important here. Those who say he is returning soon are being mischievous and economical with the truth and the facts.

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  66. Now, that's no way to speak about your Parish Priest - if that's 'what you say'...

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  67. Are all the children allowed to make their Confirmation on 3rd June or, is any child disallowed to make their Confirmation by Fr.Gates if he shows up.Is Bishop Buckley coming.

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    1. Everyone should relax and ask themselves "what would Jesus do or say"if he lived in Magherafelt

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  68. ********

    Read tomorrow's Blog to see my intentions.

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    1. Looking forward to a positive outcome for all in Magherafelt Bishop Pat...

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    2. Dear Pat Buckley. Before you put pen to paper again. Will you ask the Holy Spirit for guidance? Or have you lost your faith? This is not Polemics. This is vengeful and petty scandal.

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  69. Fr ted as i prefer to call him is a disgusting abusive moron tells lies has no compassion for anyone thinks he is above everyone six workers had to leave because of his bullying @ mental abuse

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  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  71. Magherafelt has a few people that would like to control Fr Gates and tell him what to do.I am glad that he does not bow down to these sort of people.

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    1. You are a bit confused, so I will fix this for you.
      Magherafelt has Fr. Gates who likes to control and bully his parishioners and I am glad that we will not be bowed down by this sort of individual.

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    2. Well said there on last comment. Here,Here. Looks like he will have to bow down because enough is enough. Fr Gates has been here away past his time in this parish we need a change. Sick of listening in his homily my mother this, my sister this, my niece this that an every bloody thing his family. What about the parish. Looks though some snobs are afraid of loosing committee job have to stick up for Free Gates. get a grip of yourself.

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    3. He is just showing how proud he is of his family.l also talk about my family all the time.why should talking about your family bother people?

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    4. I'm not afraid of losing a committee role. I'm a blow in to the Parish. What I am afraid of is losing our priests. Are you a person of Faith? Do you understand the sacrifice our priests make to serve? You might not agree with how they serve or you might not enjoy their homilies but would you make the sacrifice? Have you any comprehension of the implications of losing our priests? If you had the smallest understanding, if you had the smallest drop of faith - you would be ashamed of taking to a public forum to slander our priest - anonymously. There are 2 sides to every story. There are protocols for dealing with grievances. Taking to a public forum to vent is bullying. Why do bullies do what they do? Because they're angry inside...what are you angry about?

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    5. If you had the smallest drop of faith you wouldn't be reading Bishop Pats forum nor would you be using it to vent your anger.
      What are you really angry about? Anger needs to be controlled lest you also have now become a bully..

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    6. "I'm not afraid of losing a Committee role"...Best form of defense is attack...

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    7. The same way Fr. Gates attacked parishioners in his parish. If you are in the parish committee the best thing you should do with yourself and the rest of your committee is get two books an pens set them in the chapel an get parishioners to sign their views an ask if they want Fr.Gates removed. I'm sure the majority will ask for him to be removed.

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  72. I see some people can see nothing wrong with what Fr Gates has done. Im not a person for taking sides but i have looked at this from all angles. Right is right and wrong is wrong. A round collar does not excuse wrong doings. This priest was refusing one of the sacrements to a child, for why i don't know and it doesn't matter. Had he authority to do that? Would Jesus Christ have done it? Would Jesus Christ have put an old ladie out of the temple? I have always respected the clergy but what is happening in the Catholic Church this past few years has really rocked my faith.

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    1. Would Jesus Christ take to a public forum, and write the wrong things, anonymously, without evidence, and without both sides of the story? He wrote the sins of those who wanted to stone the prostitute in the sand. A record on a public forum is there forever and for every one to see. Do you believe that he deserves this given he's in a position that is vulnerable to slander? How would you feel if it was you or if it was your brother under attack in this manner?

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    2. This website is open to anyone to express their views either for or against whatever as to where they stand on the Fr Gates affair. The one person missing from commenting is a ONE FR GATES. I wonder how many people being wrongly blamed for anything dissapears overnight. I think i would fight my corner. I don't care if it was my Father, Brother, etc, if they are wrong i tell them.

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  73. What planet have you been on. Until the church is open, transparent and willing to face the many challenges it faces, parishioners might then consider using these protocols you mention. You simply miss the point and casually dismiss the genuine concerns that many parishioners have with this individual. These protocols historically have not protected individuals who have come forward to complain. Parishioners are simply using this forum due to the lack of trust in self regulation. Your blind loyalty is admirable and as you say, "there are 2 sides to every story.

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    1. Implying that someone who disagrees is ignorant of the historical and catastrophic errors of the church or that they are possesed by a prehistoric notion that the 'round collar' means beyond reproach are classic tactics to avoid the point. You would have to be from Mars to dispute that Polemics and free speech were not essential. But the comments made publically are nasty and vicious. And preceeded very often by 'I heard'. Calumny and detraction are grave sins for a reason. They hurt. And they are hurting our community. God love us. Pat Buckley. You've handled this very badly. Noble end - cruel and vicious means.

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  74. Are these Christian people at all next we will here calls for a public hanging!show some respect when putting accusations on social media before all the facts are known.never knew there were so many bitter Catholics in Magherafelt parish.

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  75. Maybe if u so called fans of Fr Gates had been subjected to his ignorance then u would maybe understand

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    1. Everyone has been subject to ignorance, at one time or another by someone, You don't take to social media to give audience to your complaint.

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    2. Please suggest a forum where parishioners concerns will be listened to and proactively dealt with. The history here is that these issues have not been dealt with appropriately and continues to be case now. Many people will be too frightened to voice their concerns even on a blog that provides anonymity, but rest assured, there are many people in the parish that have expressed their concerns about this parish priest.

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    3. @17.38 No, these 'Fans' wouldn't get it regardless - I know, I was at the receiving end of Gates treatment and I found it extremly difficult and sad too to accept that this was actually the Parish Priest and Governor, a man I held in very high esteem as a committed and practicing Catholic. Why was I sad? My entire family gave up going to Mass, this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

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    4. I see your point. A good shepard takes his flock with him. He goes out and looks for the lost lamb. This was happening in Magherafelt. The Sheppard was hunting the flock away.

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  76. If you don't agree with social media can i ask the question?. What are you doing on it??.

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