MORE than 30 clerical changes were announced by the Diocese of Down & Connor yesterday.
Among the annual changes announced by Bishop Noel Treanor are retirements and new appointments.
It has also been confirmed that Fr Hugh Kennedy, administrator of St Peter's Cathedral in west Belfast, will retain his position while pursuing theological studies in London.
The 58-year-old returned to his post September, more than two years after stepping aside for a Church investigation.
He stood down in July 2011 after allegations about his conduct were passed to police and social services. The details of the allegations were never made public but the Church said they were unconnected to the Schola Cantorum Boys Choir at the cathedral which Fr Kennedy had founded.
The police investigation was completed in November 2012 and no file was sent to the Public Prosecution Service.
After a Church review it was announced last September that the Church and statutory agencies were satisfied that Fr Kennedy should return to ministry.
New titles were announced yesterday. Fr Tim Bartlett, who has held the position of secretary to the Northern Catholic Bishops, working closely alongside former Cardinal Séan Brady, will take the title of episcopal vicar for education and director of public and social affairs while Fr Michael Spence, rector of St Malachy's Seminary, will become episcopal vicar for clergy.
Fr Peter O'Kane, formerly parish priest (PP) of Holywood, will take up the position in Strangford and Kilclief, following the recent death of Fr Colm McGrady.
The hospitals will welcome new faces. Fr Kevin McGuckien, formerly a curate at St Patrick's in Belfast, will become PP in Hannahstown and a chaplain to the Mater Hospital in north Belfast while recently ordained Fr Dominic McGrattan will become a curate at St Patrick's, Belfast and also a chaplain to the Mater.
Fr Robert Sloan, a curate at St Agnes's, will remain resident at a parish while also working as chaplain at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He will work alongside Fr Colin Crossey, who will be a curate at Newcastle but also a chaplain to the Royal.
Fr Patrick McCafferty will remain assistant chaplain to the Ulster Hospital in Dun-donald while also taking up the position of curate for Killyleagh and Crossgar.
Fr Henry McCann, formerly PP at Portgle-none, will become PP at St Anthony's, Belfast, with chaplaincy duties in the Ulster.
Fr Stephen McBrearty, formerly PP of St Anthony's, Belfast, will take up the same position in Holywood but will remain lead coordinating Catholic chaplain to the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Retirements include Canon Sean Rogan, previously PP in Downpatrick, who will be priest in residence in Kilcoo; Fr Laurence McElhill, formerly PP of Aghagallon, who will be priest in residence in St Teresa's Parish; Fr Peter Forde, formerly PP of Carnlough, who will be a priest in residence in St John's Parish; and Fr Maurice Henry, formerly PP of Crossgar will become a curate in Downpatrick, and part-time Dun-drum, while resident in Ballykinlar.
Fr Paul Morely, who is on loan from the Diocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly Kerala, India, is to become a curate at Holy Family.