Tuesday 2 October 2018

NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST LEAVES DOWN AND CONNOR IN "DISILLUSIONMENT".




A NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST OF DOWN AND CONNOR IS LEAVING THE PRIESTHOOD IN WHAT HE SAYS IS "DISILLUSIONMENT.

Father Connor McCarthy, the curate at Larne, where I live has moved back home to his father's house in Belfast and is commuting daily to the University of Ulster to become a teacher.

As usual - there was no mention of him in the current publication of the D&C changes for 2018.

Father McCarthy specifically said that his departure was no reflection on the PP of Larne Aidan Kerr.

Image result for Father Aidan Kerr larne

Having said that, Aidan Kerr would not exactly be exactly great fun to live with.

The Parochial House in Larne looks abandoned with no one going in or out and hardly ever having any lights on.

It is a huge reflection on Bishop Noel Treanor that a newly ordained young priest has been disillusioned after spending only 156 weeks in the presbyterate of that diocese.






The diocesan changes also show how unrealistic Noel Treanor is about parish ministry and the staffing of parishes.

Down and Connor Diocesan Appointments
28th September 2018

Very Rev Robert Butler PP Loughguile, to retire and to assist as a Pastor Emeritus.

Very Rev Patrick Neeson PP Kircubbin, to retire and to assist as a Pastor Emeritus.

Very Rev Patrick Mulholland PP Portaferry and PP Ballygalget, to be PP Loughguile.

Very Rev Feargal McGrady PP St Anne’s Belfast, to be PP Portaferry and PP Ballygalget.

Very Rev Peter O’Hare PP Bright (Killough), to be PP St Anne’s Belfast.

Very Rev Anthony Alexander PP Carnlough and PP Glenarm to be PP Kircubbin.

Very Rev Dermot McKay Priest in Residence in Glenarm, to be PP Carnlough and PP
Glenarm.

Very Rev Peter O’Kane PP Christ the Redeemer, Lagmore, to be PP Bright (Killough).

Very Rev Colin Crossey CC Newcastle, to be PP Christ the Redeemer, Lagmore.

Rev Dominic McGrattan having completed postgraduate studies at the Catholic
The University of Leuven, to assist at the Living Church Office
and to reside and assist part-time at St Brigid’s, Belfast.

Rev Manuelito Milo CC St Patrick’s Belfast and Chaplain in the Mater Infirmorum
Hospital, Belfast, to be nominated as Chaplain to Belfast City
Hospital residing at St Paul’s Belfast.

Rev Anthony McAleese newly ordained, to be CC St Patrick’s Belfast and nominated
as Chaplain to the Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast.

Rev Andrew Black Chaplain in Belfast City Hospital, to pursue post-graduate
studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome.

Rev Conor McGrath CC Drumbo and Carryduff, in addition, to pursue part-time
post-graduate studies at the Loyola Institute, TCD, Dublin.

Rev Gerard Fox Associate Episcopal Vicar for Education, in addition, to be
Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Director of the Permanent
Diaconate.


PAT:

Treanor is sending a young priest Andy Black, who has decidedly Tridentine tendencies away to study when he should be used in a parish.

And the Priest Gerard Fox, another parish dodger is joining other priests at desks in the palace with parishes crying out for priests.


FATHER FERGAL MC GRADY:




Father McGrady is being moved from Belfast to Portaferry.

However, he will retain pastoral responsibility for the truck drivers on the M1 and A8  who have "special needs".

Previously he had been chaplain to the forestry workers and forest visitors in the Ballymena area.


135 comments:

  1. Don't we all make ill judged career moves and end up regretting it.
    Disillusionment is a part of live, I see no big deal with this.

    He's tried it and it's not for him, good luck to the young man!

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Mad Magna Caca at 23:32

      How like you Polly to resort to Blasphemy taking Our Lords name in vain. I do hope he dosn't follow Satan like you. After all you failed on both vocations. Love and prayers B. Eviva Maria!

      Delete
  3. What are the known reasons that this newly ordained hopeful decide after such a short tenure that he had enough and essentially resigned.

    There has been something or some things the driving catalyst in making such a detrimental decision.

    It would appear Noel Treanor isn't going to persuade him to rethink, take time out, reflect, come back and then give his very final decision.

    Unfortunate to read, but at least the young man can fall back on a teaching career when his vocational calling, called him to be true to himself.

    Perhaps that's what he's done, simply been true to himself.

    I would surmise he's at ease for making his decision, because no doubt he's wrestled with it until he could wrestle it no further.

    You can only say disappointing but best wishes for his future career and life choices.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If that man couldn't hack it as a priest, he certainly won't last as a teacher which is ten times harder. Is he crazy!! Believe me, I've got the tee-shirt.

      Delete
    2. Perhaps you should buy a jumper instead. It's a bit cold for tee-shirts this weather.

      Delete
    3. Hey.. hello!Cheers . I will do that.. You're right about the jumper weather.. Bit chilly on the lough today too, mate..

      Delete
  4. Another young catholic priest bites the dust. Do Bishops think their parishioners are stupid? Not mentioning priests who leave in the diocesan changes is surely stupid, and at least address it.

    The same can be said with priests leaving in other dioceses. It is as if they have never existed.

    Is there an obligation for bishops to change their priests every year? Diocesan changes seem to take place every year. This is something we do not have in the Church of Ireland. Rectors, pastoral assistants etc seem to have a long tenure. Our local rector here in Dublin has been here since 2004. I wonder how long he would last in the catholic church? Is there a limit to how long a priest serves any one parish?

    God Bless

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The True Catholic Church will be taking NO advice from the Church of Ireland as experience tell us not to.

      Parish Priests should be moved every five to ten years and assistant Priests more often to give them the variety of different pastoral work.

      Clergy and Deacons are responsible to their Bishop and pastoral assistants are responsible to the parish they are in and likely be employees of that Parish.

      Your Local rector must be bored 14 years doing same thing everyday and likely the same people around him.

      We are a Church of Mission and Renewal and cannot stand still.

      Delete
    2. @11:49;
      The Church of Mission has become a ‘mission impossible’ and renewal is now in reverse...!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous at 12:22

      Renewal is now in reverse, well thanks be to God.
      We have had nothing but renewal since the hellish Vat II, and what has it lead too, the dreadful situation we have today. it's a RETURN to TRUE CATHOLICISM we need.

      Delete
  5. Sending Fr McCarthy warm wishes and prayers for renewed vision in the continuing of his vocation, now as a teacher.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope he has applied to be liaised and not hope to fall back on the Church should his teaching not suit him either.

      best Wishes to him just hope he has done the right thing like Bill Mulvihill and went rather than hang on for the laity to keep them.

      Delete
    2. I'm sure the little or nothing that you contribute will have maybe bought him a Mars Bar.

      Delete
    3. He would get a lot of Mars Bars for 25 Euros a week maybe some crisps as well.

      Delete
    4. Please let me to enquire, sir... What is a Mars Bar?

      Delete
    5. Tom Woods at 00:02

      Be God he'll need it, if he thinks teaching will be an easier life he's in for a big shock, and will probably end up on anti depressants like most poor teachers nowadays start praying now dear he'll certainly need them.

      Delete
  6. Why does Bishop Treanor not do more parish work himself and get out and about in Holy Family Parish? He is officially their parish priest but very few of them know that. You would be hard pushed to guess it...! Some people think he must be locked inside that palatial dwelling.. Is he claustrophobic by any chance? Can you imagine in a month of Sundays him ever visiting any parishioners in their own homes?!! Sorry--I can't..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bishop Treanor is one of the hard working Bishops always on the go.

      He has many commitments to the Irish Bishops Conference and he is also very High up in the Church in Europe and represents the Irish Church at that.


      bishops now have a tremendous administration duties with Safegaurding and Finance and more now with HR because of some clergy.

      You should call the Palatial dwelling and ask what is his diary really they should place in on their web site like all of the England, Wales and Scottish Bishops do and in Catholic press.

      Delete
    2. @11.56
      So the people of the bishop's own parish on his road and his streets nearby are not a priority ! Is that what you're really saying here?!! So we need to break down the fortress and find the parish priest in his bishop office and we need to learn that we are away down the priority list far below the "paperwork"!! Well, that explains everything...

      Delete
    3. 12.38 You are not stupid and that you know that Parish Priest is a title for the Cathedral.

      As really the Administrator / Dean is the one who does everything in the Cathedral as the Bishops just turn up for events usually with their MC.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous at 00:04

      How dare you be so disrespectful to His Lordship Bishop Treanor. What other Bishop do you know that does home visitation? You're just a jealous oul bitch wishing you had a palatial residence for yourself.

      Delete
    5. @18:19; Charming!

      Delete
    6. Anonymous at 18:29

      @18:29 Thank You.

      Delete
    7. That sounds @ up at 18.19 as if it might have been a response from the boul Treanor himself... No? You'd have more chance of raising the dead at a seance... Ha ha!

      Delete
    8. @ 13.58
      Who said I was talking about the Cathedral?! I never mentioned it.
      I am talking about Holy Family Parish on the Antrim /Somerton Rd area and someway beyond. That's where Treanor lives, maintained by us whom he chooses to ignore even though he IS our Parish Priest by virtue of living on our road. This parish is really short of help and one of the hardworking priests is elderly and ill .The elderly priest tries to visit those who cannot leave their houses and he brings them Holy Communion on First Friday week . But he could use some more help and encouragement.. I do have a "big house" as it happens and so I don't need to envy anyone. (I do try to help in certain ways) But I am not the bishop...

      Delete
    9. @19:09;
      Your not welcome!
      I don’t approve of vulgarity.
      Your not doing Bishop Treanor any favors.

      Delete
    10. "You're not.. '

      Delete
    11. 19.38 A Bishop is the Parish Priest of His Cathedral he cannot take a parish until retirement.

      Cathedrals has Administrators and some are called deans .

      Although he resides in a parish and if he has no duties on a Sunday he can go to his local parish as a parishioner.

      Delete
  7. I had the privilege to meet Connor a couple of times and I can tell you he was an absolute gentleman. It's not Connor that's the issue- rather, as we have discussed: the system invariably flawed at its root. God bless Connor. He will be an excellent teacher

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    Replies
    1. Is that flattering response from Connor's ma by any chance? Probably..

      Delete
  8. Prayer also for Chris quinn a former seminarian of the Diocese. Chris has courageously taken upon himaelf to explore a relationship with a young lady.

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    Replies
    1. Ha ha... That could take "courage" enough---if the "young lady" has been round a few corners like me..!!

      Delete
  9. Best wishes to Chris Quinn on his new heterosexual journey. Chris had a difficult time in the seminary as he had to repeat a year in the wing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Is this guy still 'ontologically altered' such that he can turn bread in to the flesh of God - does anyone know?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No! Nobody knows, for as with much of the RC church: it's a 'mystery'!
      You'll need to travel well up the peninsula for any shennanigans McGrady, for those of us down here keep a sharp eye out. And we're pretty good with the hurl too.
      PP. (the other kind!)

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    2. You do have ferry men and fishermen!

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    3. Aye Pat, we do. And his car will be well marked out, and remarked on in his journeys, whether up the peninsula, or over the ferry to the denizens on iniquity.

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    4. Aye boys a dear... Out to the wilds of Ballyphilip.. eh? Most of the nightlife is behind yon wee whin bushes . You couldn't bate it, man!

      Delete
  11. I always found Fr Kerr a decent bloke who was friendly and approachable. If the lights aren't on in the parochial house, it could be that he's out doing his job, especially considering the very few number of priests these days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The lights are on because everybody is in bed and it saves electricity.

      Delete
    2. "---everybody's in bed." I take it that is intended as humour?
      It is certainly not true in reality.

      Delete
    3. Patsy at 10:44

      Do you not mean the lights were off! if they were on you wouldn't be saving electricity!

      Delete
    4. Maybe it’s candle light.

      Delete
  12. Just had a look at the job vacancies section for the Down and Connor diocese. http://www.downandconnor.org/job-vacancies/ I don't see any for priests.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 07.15 are you for real Priests are not a job vacancy they are a VOCATION.

      Delete
  13. So sad to see this young man having a change of heart about priesthood. However what else could the bishop expect. Sending a young, newly ordained priest to Larne!

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    1. There are very good and friendly people in Larne on both sides of the religious divide.

      I walk the main street of Larne everyday and have done for 34 years.

      It's very different now than it was 34 years ago.

      Still of course a majority protestant and unionist town.

      In Connors 3 years in Larne I only saw him in the town once.

      I think he may be a shy lad, a bit intellectual and not a great mixer?

      I hope he finds happiness and meaning in his future.

      Delete
    2. Well, if he couldn't cope with Larne with its smaller Catholic community, how on earth would be survive in a more demanding city parish !! Not the place for a mammy's boy though I suppose...

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    3. @14:34 Who said Connor couldn’t cope with Larne? The attitudes of some of the staunch Catholics, holier than thou brigade, contributing to this blog,are at times appalling.

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    4. Connor couldn't cope with any parish, least of all the quiet community in Larne. He "said it" by his dropout response... Actions speak much louder than words.. It doesn't matter a whit what that poster said,, The facts say it all..

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    5. @15:42; So you’re a mind reader! And you’re privy to all the facts! ‘Judge not...’

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    6. I don't think that poster was at all judgemental actually... Nor does he/she claim to be privy to any other "facts" apart from the truth that Connor was there and now he has resigned his priesthood. No mind reading was required as far as we can see..

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    7. @18:19; It’s blatant Connor resigned his Priesthood but why attribute or assume his resignation was due to him not being able to cope and the man being ‘a mammys boy.’
      Not exactly a respectful remark.

      Delete
    8. If he was "able to cope" with whatever his negative experience was, then he quite simply would have ignored the repercussions of it and he would still be there in his post. But he is not there .. That's a straightforward fact. Nothing "disrespectful" about it. I am not responsible for his actions..

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    9. @00:30; Why call the man ‘a mammys boy’?

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    10. I never mentioned "mammy's boy"!! Where does my post say that I did?!
      (Somebody used that term earlier today .. at 14.34 or so)

      Delete
  14. Shame to waste an ordnation. Could he not link up with somewhere else or perhaps with you pat.maybe he could put something on here if he is treated with respect

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    1. I was aware from Larne parishioners that he was unsettled and lonely.

      I did drop him a note to tell him I was thinking of him.

      The Larne parochial house was like an oap nursing home for him.

      Treanor should have placed him somewhere where he would have been surrounded by younger people and more activity.

      Treanor has the common sense of a rabbit crossing a motorway.

      Delete
    2. I'd say that note from you finished the poor lad off.

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    3. Anonymous at 12:04

      I agree with you when he got the note from Patsy, he got off his mark and is probably still running God help him.

      Delete
  15. My mum spent about 15 years living in larne. She said it’s a backward town full of inward looking and nosey people

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  16. It’s very very worrying and upsetting that a priest so recently ordained would leave the priesthood. Serious questions are posed, to say the least, at many levels.

    What care is put into the first appointments of the newly ordained? These are often most formative for a priest’s future.

    Who on earth is advising Bishop Treanor? He can’t be expected to know the diocese inside out having come from the “outside” as it were.

    For example, how, in Heaven’s name, could they send another newly-ordained priest to St Patrick’s?? What is the rationale behind such a move??

    Good grief! Can no one in Lisbreen learn a simple lesson from previous mistakes? St Patrick’s has lost two young priests in rapid succession. Fr Manuelito lasted only a year.

    What do they do? Let’s send another newly ordained to have more upsetting and unsettling experiences in St Patrick’s Presbytery!!

    Small wonder the Lord is NOT sending labourers to His harvest. Why would He when this is how they are taken “care” of?

    It would seem that dysfunctional, incapable and bone idle men (who are good at “presenting” themselves in a favourable light) are given responsibilities for which they are eminently unsuitable to put it mildly.

    In general, Bishop Treanor needs to take a long and hard look at how it is he can lose a young man two years after ordination; and also how the appointments of other newly ordained can be got so terribly wrong that a change is precipitated so soon.

    This is a recipe for unhappiness and the kind of being unsettled that makes a young man lose heart and leave the priesthood.

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    1. @9:59; Well said. Serious questions are posed at many levels but it seems to me they’re never adequately addressed and it’s a case of business as usual. Dysfunctional careerist men in positions of authority have created a dysfunctional institution and are in denial, meanwhile people are literally walking away from the institution in droves including newly ordained Priests.

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    2. @ 9.59
      I completely agree with you that some appointments are ludicrously misappropriate. For example, why in Heaven's name would anybody in their right mind think that such an important, difficult and wide-ranging post such as being a Hospital Chaplain would be the place for someone in his first job as a newly-ordained priest?!! It is emotionally draining on a daily basis (or should be if done thoroughly enough) and it takes wisdom and years of experience. Many young priests are woefully inadequate in this respect and it is no fault of theirs. No wonder it is often so badly done here...

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    3. It is indeed worrying who is advising Bishop Treanor and to whom is he listening. Why is the Vicar for North Belfast, for example, not the more senior, wiser, well balanced, Fr Paul Strain in the bishop’s own Holy Family parish? He’s a decent and kind man and one would imagine a newly ordained priest would be much better placed with a man of his experience too.

      Delete
    4. @ 12.53
      Yes, I would have thought so too...

      Delete
  17. None of your business Buckley. Leave clerical appointments to the real bishops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You mean like Mc Carrick, Keith O Brien, CMOC, etc :-)

      They are better at bedding than appointing priests :-)

      Delete
  18. MournemanMichael:
    Or could it be that this young man had doubts during his seminary training, but with good intent and the idealistic aspirations leading him towards priesthood, continued to ordination in the hope his doubts would resolve afterwards? If that is the case then his decision to quit may have less to do with his post ordination experience and more to do with his vocation in the first place.
    I don't know his circumstances, but wish him well and that he finds fulfillment with no regrets.
    MMM

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    Replies
    1. You will find that at the bottom of this is Connors need for love and companionship.

      Hopefully he has, or will, find this in the appropriate person.

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    2. Maybe he found it in St. Kilian's College, GarronTower? He spent all his time there. PP. D&C.

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    3. Well he certainly didn't find it with poor oul Aidan Kerr or indeed with the gold door handle king in Lisbreen.

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    4. MMM.. Spot on, as always..

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    5. MMM cheap point scoring as usual. Nasty scumbag.

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    6. MournemanMichael to Anon @ 12:17:
      Could you kindly indicate the 'cheap points' you claim?
      And while you're at it, could you explain and justify your assertion words: "Nasty scumbag?"
      Might it be because I may have different views and opinions from you?
      The 'field' of the blog is yours. So over to you for explanations.
      And, please: no throwaway 'one liners'. They are often the refuge of the very limited and I'm sure you're better than that. Ahem: or are you?
      MMM

      Delete
  19. I heard that Father Milo was very unhappy in St. Patrick's.

    Any explanation Father O Neill?

    And God between us and all harm he'll now be living with the scourge of Catholic teachers on the Falls Road.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pat, I thought you were married to Milo?

      Delete
    2. Pat. Are you joking? Fr O’Neill give an “explanation”? He’s not in the habit of giving explanations for his behaviour. He’s used to doing whatever he likes unquestioned and taking as much time off as he likes and wants to as well. Which is a lot. It’s none of yours or ours business. D&C Parishioner

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    3. You’re getting him mixed up with his brother, Pat.

      Delete
  20. I feel for this young priest. I left formation after many years and found the transition back to normal life a real shock. (No Bellarmine - I wasn't kicked out- so am not one of your seminary rejects that you are keen to label us as.)

    There was no help from the Church, and in many ways it was as if they disowned you- the transition was a lonely and difficult road. Thankfully after many years I was able to get back on my feet and find my place in the world. I am not bitter in any way, and am grateful for my time in formation. It has made me a better person and Christian.

    The Church should help many of my colleagues who have left both before and after Ordination make this transition- after all no one enters the seminary to leave, and we have all given our lives to God to some degree. My prayers are with Father Mccarthy- I pray he will find his vocation and happiness in living it out.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. 11.02: I once left the banking sector because I hated the unrealistic pressures. I had obtained my degrees beforehand, all paid for by myself through working part-time. I didn't need someone to hold my hand from one phase of life to another. Even after leaving the bank after many years, I had to learn to readjust to a new life. I think it's unfair of you to expect the Church authorities to support you in an ongoing manner. Give me one good reason why you feel entitled to a "readjustment" fee and support system? I think your request is unreal considering that you are not pursuing studies for priesthood. Welcome friend to the real world.

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    2. #13.30 You sound a bitter auld hoor

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    3. 13.30: I'm not at all a bitter auld hoor! I'm a very fulfilled person. The point I was making is that we often move from one phase of life to another, we change our minds and make different choices. Why should a seminarian who chooses to leave after 2/3/4 years ecpect to be led by the hand into a new way of life? That's an entitlement he doesn't deserve. Most seminarians today, few that there are, are not locked away in an enclosure that readjusting to a different life is impossible. Get real....

      Delete
  21. You should start a support group for those who leave. You have a lot to offer each other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Or set-up an escort agency.

      Delete
  22. FATHER MC GRADY


    Oh, how happy I am that Father Feral McGrady has a hobby and an outside interest ! It's so important for our priests to be able to break away from their pastoral and sacramental responsibilities every now and again, and to refresh themselves with healthy, outdoor activities. It's so important for a good work / life balance, and I'm sure his parishioners notice the spring in his step and the smile on his face when he returns from one of his alfresco forays, and changes from stained Levis into his freshly laundered Gammarelli.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Feral" McGrady! Nice one!
      I hope it's intentional, not Freudian!

      Delete
    2. I guess he will get upset when he sees a hot truck pull up and there's a girl in the passenger seat.

      Delete
    3. 17.01: Might you be the "lady" in the passenger seat? You have a perversion in your obsession with the sexual exploits of others! A closet queen I suspect you may be!!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous at 11:40

      Do you have the same hobby as Fr. McGrady? as you seem very well informed about his activities. Pyou're trying to get rid of a rival.

      Delete
    5. I have often being called a "dook" since I came over but I have no idea why ..!

      Delete
    6. @18:01

      How very dare you... WHAT on earth are your insinuating!?!?

      Delete
  23. I don't think there's a need to over analyse Fr. Conor's departure from priesthood, though sad. Allow him now to pursue his life in another direction. Yes, his leaving will force us to ask many questions about priesthood and Diocesan decision making at all levels. After 38 years of priesthood I would not encourage any man to consider priesthood unless radical changes are made. Having read many comments on this blog which are viciously anti clerical, anti priest, anti Church - some legitimate - I am in shock myself at the level of nastiness, mockery and ridicule. Many of us seek to do our best in very challenging times. The generalised portrayal/caricature/lies about priests is a huge injustice.

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    1. @13:22; Another huge injustice is the rape of children by members of the clerical fraternity and the COVER UP of such crimes not to mention the appalling damage and scars inflicted on victims for life! I have contributed to this blog from time to time and I haven’t lied. I could tell you a shocking account of clerical fraternal cover up, a scandal and a half! Most of the Priests I’ve encountered are moral cowards and to be perfectly honest with you having anything to do with a member of the clerical fraternity is potentially very dangerous: and I say that from experience. Thousands of lives have been destroyed world wide and you guys wonder why you’re being ridiculed! Get real.

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    2. 15.30: Get real, you say in response to my 13.22 comment. What a lie you perpetuate. It's convenient to slam all clerics into the ground. I am no moral coward, that I assure you and neither are the many, many priests I encounter. Sorry if you fell such disdain. we (priests) ARE NOT a dangerous species! If you are a family man, perhaps you might explore the clinical research and data re: abuse of children within families. Now, those figures might alarm you! Just read your newspapers everyday for these horror stories. Any abuse of any child, man or woman is criminal and abhorrent. I condemn and always have condemned all and every act of abuse - physical, sexual, emotional, mental. They are criminal acts. So, please refrain from your RACIST rhetoric in bracketing all of us in the same category. Why can't you engage intelligently, honestly and in a balanced way without resorting to insult, racism and lies?

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    3. Why don't you include most other professions then who are equally guilty of abuse if not worse. Why just pick on one because it suits your narrow minded prejudiced vicious and nasty agenda. We can see the venom from your post - says it all.

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    4. 15.30: Another armchair nut...how arrogant of you to slander all priests. Find yourself a conscience and an ability for truth.

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    5. @16:18 & 16:22:
      What lie am I supposedly perpetuating? I didn’t slam ALL clerics! ‘We priests are not a dangerous species’...You’re the one calling yourself ‘a species’. What racist rhetoric did I use? I’m well aware of the prevalence of CSA in familial settings and I do read the newspapers. What insult, racism and lies did I resort to? Most other professions are not preaching the GOSPEL and are not claiming to be ALTER CHRISTUS and are not claiming to be mediators between God and man and are not leaders in the Christian community! I related my experience and if you find my honest experience uncomfortable to read then how come? To claim I’m lying! What a cheek! To claim I’m racist...a cheap shot if ever and to claim I’m insulting....well too bad if you feel insulted because that’s little to what thousands of Catholic Christians have had to endure through clerical criminality and it’s COVR UP World Wide.
      No wonder you guys find it to be challenging times!

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    6. @15:30: All you guys can do is misrepresent ,disparage and insult by calling people nuts! Very Christ like! Maybe it’s you who needs to find a conscience and an ability for truth!

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    7. 17.45: BALANCE and FAIRNESS are the virtues you could discover .... your sweeping portrayal is UNJUST and a repeating of a narrative that's part of this blog. There's little, if any, balance!! You prove it.

      Delete
    8. @20:03; You’re projecting your own lack of balance and fairness. I didn’t make a sweeping portrayal. Read my post carefully without reading into it your own notions. I’m relating my experience and NOT repeating a narrative of this blog. I don’t have to prove anything to you guys! The reality is Bishops have little or no moral authority at this stage, Priests lack credibility at this stage and WORST of all the Gospel has been discredited.
      I can well imagine you are working in challenging times but you guys need to recognize and realise, God only knows how many lives have been destroyed, by some members of the clerical fraternity and the cover up of criminality by some Bishops. Don’t misrepresent out of fairness and balance and try to be more Christ like and show some charity even if or when you feel uncomfortable by what you read!

      Delete
    9. 20.32: In your 15.30 comment you said that "most priests you have encountered are moral cowards....and you continue... having anything to do with the clerical fraternity is potentially dangerous...". Outrageous. If that isn't racism, tell me what you really mean. You wouldn't repeat that to my face in front of a PSNI officer!! The truth is your words are an incitement to hatred of a particular group. Simple logic. Your portrayal is a total injustice to the majority of priests. Of course we abhor criminal abuse and the cover ups. Those of us who truly care have spoken and share a sense of deep shame because of the horrendous abuse, hurt and criminality. You obviously don't look beyond this blog. Like many of my colleagues we realise only too well the huge challenges we face. I strive each day to live my vocation as best I can with integrity, care, fidelity and kindness of heart. I don't need your judgment. God is my judge and guide.

      Delete
    10. @21:29; Are you and your colleagues a race unto yourselves? I’d repeat that to your face in front of anybody including the Pope! Incitement to hatred... simple rubbish! Listen padre...I told you the truth regarding some, in fact most, Priests I’ve encountered with good reason that I’m not going to explain to you! I don’t go near Priests for very good reasons.
      What those reasons are is none of your business. Good for you if you try to live your vocation as best you can with integrity...etc. I’m not judging you!
      Your ultra defensive; why? Say your night office like a good man and add three Hail Marys for trying to bully on Bp Pats blog.

      Delete
  24. Is the Fr McGrady being discussed here in any way connected to the late Fr Sylvester McGrady, one time curate in Cushendall. Now there was a man who knew how to make great use of his anointed hands.

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  25. I admire Connor's honesty... If you can't fulfil the emotional and routine demands of the post, then do everyone a favour and get out.. That's what he did.
    However.. I don't think much of his judgement if he thinks teaching will be even fractionally less demanding!! Oh boy.... How you will long and pine for the calm stillness of that quiet dull room in Larne presbytery and to be able to get five minutes peace to yourself amidst the turmoil and mountains of preparation and paperwork... Wise up..

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  26. I must take a wee run down to Portaferry. I've been a bit stressed lately.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Preferably in a HGV.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous at 16:40

      Hi Magna I think you should, you deserve it and I know you'll enjoy it. You'll go down a bomb in Portaferry.

      Delete
  27. Has Fr Michael Spence, the former rector of the Wing, been given a parish appointment now that the Wing is no more?

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  28. Magna Carta's Mum3 October 2018 at 17:28

    Magna darling, pack your bags, we're moving to Larne. It sounds just our sort of place!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mommie Dearest, I'm ahead of you, already on my way. It's the luuuure of Larne!

      But I'm making a brief pitstop, somewhere (God-knows-whereπŸ˜•). And what a bonus! There's a lovely, chunky priest here as well, on his knees right now, directly in front of me. He's obviously preying.

      Delete
    2. Is your misspelled word "preying" intentional?
      (You should write comedy if it is .)

      Delete
    3. Magna Carta's Mum3 October 2018 at 20:49

      Magna darling, you have no idea how happy I am to hear that. I know it's your funny way of telling me my invasive mothering has paid off and you're finally admitting you're a homosexual. I just knew you'd turn out to be a top, darling.
      Just one thing, darling, make your confession to that man before he runs off, there's a shortage of priests in Larne.

      Delete
    4. Magna; have you and your mum found someplace to get some shut eye tonight?
      Robin.

      Delete
    5. 19:42, not Freudian; not a common-or-garden slip of the tongue; but entirely and roguishly intentional.

      Delete
    6. Yes, dearest, it was the queerest experience, but in a good, male bonding sort of way. So there was nothing to confess, really, except to having a gay ole time. πŸ˜†

      Delete
    7. 21:28, thanks for the thought, Robin. Decent of you to ask. No; I'm 'slumming it' in the backseat of my car for the night.

      As for Mommie Dearest, she's booked into some hotel or other. She knows all of the hoteliers in the area (and, indeed, far beyond). One of their better class of customer. Apparently.

      Strangely, she books into each of these hotels for only one night at a time. And then moves on to a different area.

      I've never understood the commercialism of this. πŸ˜•

      Delete
  29. Oh dear, I'm getting old, my first thought was how young Conor looks, but he must be at least late twenties...
    On a more serious note the fact that a young man can spend this many years of his life in a position where he isn't paying into a mortgage or a pension could have a serious impact on his finances for the rest of his life because he would only really start earning at 30+.

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  30. Why did loyal Larne need a PP AND a CC? Overkill? It can't have been a busy post for a young priest and that was his first and only assignment. Young priests in Down and Connor should be put in Belfast to learn the ropes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh please--! Belfast has suffered enough...

      Delete
  31. Hi Pat,
    I have a couple of genuine questions:
    1. In August St Macnissi's Parish facebook page was open about this priest going to University to study education. They wished him well said they looked forward to seeing him back in the Parish. Has something changed?
    2. The Diocesan appointments are dated 28th September. I can't find them on the D&C website, or indeed anywhere else. Do they think they no longer have to publish, knowing that you will get hold of them somehow and do the publication for them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the parishioners were told that in August as a "soft" explanation for his leaving.

      We're he doing studies under the auspices of the church he would be living in a church property. He has returned to his family home.

      The changes were emailed to the clergy. One of the clergy forwarded them to me.

      They were not supposed to be publicly circulated until this weekend.

      Noel Treanor has "leaks".

      Delete
    2. "Leaks" may be a sign of prostate trouble at his age...

      Delete
  32. If he is looking for a boyfriend then I’m free. Hot sexy young man

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  33. If Fr Milo was so unhappy in St Patrick’s that he needed a change after a year and if there is a problem there, why on earth risk sending another newly ordained priest there??? Given the loss of a young priest after two years, is that not gross irresponsibility?

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    Replies
    1. You just have a hate agenda against Treanor. It's all too obvious and you are just full of vengeance and hate.

      Delete
  34. There's not much free nowadays,son.After Brexit things will probably go up again. That's what it says in the paper..

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  35. I always thought Larne was the bishop's version of the "naughty step" - - the place where plonkers were stationed until they wised up. Maybe somebody spilt the beans and told that to Connor who was already traumatised enough as he had just found out that Santa is actually....... No, I won't say it....

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  36. That young priest was a gentleman and a very spiritual one as well who had the ability to be a great priest and a great influence to young people. He is a young man of honour and integrity. God bless him for his bravery decision. Interesting that Fr Milo is being moved after expressing concern about his treatment by the st Patrick's pp (want to be bishop O'Neill) and yet Treanor sends another recently ordained priest to st Patrick's. God help him. O'Neill is a power hungry despot who is despised by a lot of st Patrick's parishioners. I know. My sister is one of those. Treanor hasn't a clue and being advised by joe glover and Eugene O'Hagan is like the blind leading the blind or the arrogant leading the arrogant

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  37. Chris Quinn a former seminarian of Down and Connor needs to reconcile with those he reported to Mullaney, Prior and Collins. Chris thought he could sail through Maynooth by continually reporting seminarians to seminary council. Chris reported both gay and heterosexual seminarians.

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  38. Fr Conor was our chaplain at school. A brilliant man and great priest. I don't know where these rumours have come from but he hasn't left the preisthood and he is living in the Coleraine parish and assiting there- well he was 2 weeks ago when I visited him.

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