Archbishop announces latest clergy appointments
Fr Mark Croker
Archbishop Christopher Prowse has announced his latest round of clergy appointments.
Fr Richard Thompson’s appointment as Vicar General heads the list that includes the transfer of priests and assistant priests to new parishes – see list below.
While fulfilling his new appointment, Fr Thompson will remain as the parish priest at Mary Help of Christians Parish, South Woden.
All appointments will take place in January next year.
Given the Archdiocese’s large and diverse profile, several priests will exchange their city, country or coastal parishes for their geographic opposites.
“Parish priests in our archdiocese are much loved by their people,” Archbishop Prowse told the Catholic Voice. “These moves can occasionally be quite challenging for the communities.
“However, we are all missionaries together, including the parish priests.
“These moves are made so that the Good News of the Lord can be spread far and wide in the Archdiocese,” he said.
Fr Mick MacAndrew
Fr Mark Croker has been at Canberra’s Gungahlin parish for 14 years and will move to the mountains to the Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne parishes.
While he said he made many connections over the years at Gungahlin, he was also originally from Taralga, a “boy from the bush”.
“I am looking forward to being back with country people,” he said. “It’s another big challenge.”
Fr Croker is replacing Fr Mick MacAndrew, who’s heading north to the parish of North Belconnen in Canberra.
“It will be another opportunity to grow in my love of the people,” Fr MacAndrew highlighted. “It will also further my understanding of the role of the priest in leading the people of God today.
It’s been 20 years since I’ve been in Canberra. I’ll have to learn to drive again,” he said with a chuckle.
Archbishop Prowse noted he had been very happy with how the priests responded to the challenge of the new appointments.
“Where there is new parish leadership or otherwise, let’s continue to walk together in this special ‘Year of Walking Together’,” the Archbishop said.
Father Tom Thornton was moved from St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Charnwood and sent to Batemans Bay Parish, temporarily, we were told. However he does not appear to be returning to St Thomas Aquinas Parish [which was originally promised] then who is going to be our new Parish Priest?
So sad we have lost Father Tom. We could understand him. He spoke clearly and distinctly. His sermons reflected the concept of the Gospel and were relatable in our daily lives.
Nice to see one of my old primary school teachers here.
Father Tom, from what I’ve seen, is a caring spiritual father and gives succinct sermons.
I don’t know who is replacing him.
It’s sad to see priests being moved and no replacement! Soon there will be no mass conducted by a priest in the country regions!
Fr Mark, Moe will be right in his element chasing rabbits and roos in the high country!!!
Now has plenty of Roos and bunnies right here in his back yard.
It will be sad to see Father Mark Crocker go. He has been one of the reasons I like going to church in Amaroo. Hope Father Troy will continue his legacy.
So sad to loose Fr Eden from our parish. Gungahlin parish is extremely lucky to have him. Hope he returns to Moruya parish sooner rather than later!
Very sad to loose Fr George and Fr.Namora from the Tumut and Gundagai parish.
Goulburn is losing Fr Joe. Who are we getting in his place
Good to see new Clergy details. Have not heard anyone say the info is clear – – for visitors and people from other parts of Canberra. What does “North Woden or South Belconnen Etc. mean ? Someone apparently likes playing games ?
Would be good if someone could organise SPIRITUAL COMMUNION with words on screen for the Cathedral Mass – – many people cannot make it to a Church or have no hearing Etc. Etc. Cathedral Masses, homilies Etc.are very good but need WALK as well as TALK. HAPPY DAYS. John- – Wanniassa.
0403 050 960
Very upset and disappointed that Fr. Tom Thorton will not be returning to STA Charnwood .Fr Tom was only with us for a very short time. I feel that STA is the forgotten parish and that we are at the end of the line.Thank you Fr. Tom for all the great work that you did while at STA Charnwood.
Helen Pitt
How could it be forgotten when the church was designed by Aldo Giurgola and Father Neville Drinkwater was parish priest for 42 years? It was named after a genius of a saint.
I am incredibly sad to see the loss of Father Tony Percy as Vicar General to our region. His service and leadership has been phenomenal and dearly treasured by so many of us at St Christopher’s, Wanniassa and within the region as a whole. His ability to connect with and communicate with community is unlike I have ever experienced from and within the church. He truly walks alongside you…. His humour, intellect, humility, connection, music, translation of the Gospel, spirituality and love of God, man and community will be greatly missed. Thank you and may God Bless you Padre!
AMEN!
Father Tony Percy became my friend as I’m autistic and he wanted to know more about it. He knew Tim Fischer who was also autistic. He preaches useful sermons, wrote a book on Catholic business people (his PhD). He’s a brilliant man so I invite you to keep in touch with him.