Bishop Toal has made the following announcement:  “From the beginning of June 2020 there will be an internal change in St Columbkille’s Parish, with Fr Bernard Mournian becoming Parish Priest and Fr Pat Hennessy Assistant Priest. I have spoken about this with both priests and they have agreed that this will be a good way to proceed in the present circumstances. I thank Fr Pat therefore for his years of service as Parish Priest.”

“Earlier this year I had asked Fr Bernard to consider the possibility of doing doctoral studies in Rome.  However, I now think it prudent for him not to start the course in September 2020 due to our present situation. I have asked him, therefore, to remain in St Columbkille’s as Parish Priest, well supported by the other clergy and parishioners, and to continue as chaplain of Fernhill School.””

Michael McGrath, Chair of the Parish Mission & Action Group, congratulating Fr Bernard on his appointment as Parish Priest, said: “We look forward to Fr Bernard building on the great work of Fr Pat who has enabled our parish community to thrive.  We know how much the parish appreciates the dedication of our parish clergy.  As we look forward to the church re-opening, we ask everyone to lend their support to our new Parish Priest.”