Plans are being made to merge three New Plymouth parishes; St Joseph’s in the central city, St Philomena’s Brooklands and Fitzroy’s Our Lady Help of Christians.
About 200 people turned out last week to a series of presentations given by a steering group which has the task of explaining the move and organising consultation with the community about the proposed changes. The group is made up of representatives from each of the three parishes.
Father Craig Butler, one of six people on the steering committee, said the changes had been initiated by Bishop Charles Drennan as a way to strengthen the faith in the city as well as make the best use of resources.
As regional dean, Butler will focus on supporting the other priests and Catholic schools in the area, along with facilitating the pastoral care of St Philomena’s congregation after their church was destroyed by fire in January.
To do this, he will step aside as parish priest at St Joseph’s New Plymouth and will be replaced by Father Adonis Rancho.
Butler said although change was not always easy, there was an opportunity for parishioners to be part of the final plan, which is due to be in place by Easter next year.
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