New parish priest inducted at St Colman�s, Dromore

The Very Rev Patrick Joseph Murray, formerly Parish Priest of Aghaderg, was inducted as the new Parish Priest of Dromore at a Ceremony of Induction in St Colman�s Church, Dromore, last Sunday morning (27^th August) at 11.00am. The Parish of Dromore was left vacant following the resignation of the Very Rev Patrick G Conway, PP, who retired after 16 years loyal service to the Parish of Dromore.  On Sunday 4^th June 2006, Fr Conway had celebrated the 50^th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood.

Fr Murray�s letter of appointment, stamped with the Episcopal seal was given by John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore, at the Bishop�s House, Newry on Friday 11^th August 2006.  A native of Clonduff Parish, Fr. Murray was educated at the Abbey Christian Brothers� School in Newry and at Maynooth.  He was ordained by Bishop Brooks on 14^th June 1981 and has served as curate in Moyraverty (1981-1990), Kilbroney (1990-1995), Tullylish (1995-2003).  Since August 2003, Fr Murray was Parish Priest of Aghaderg with pastoral oversight for St. Patrick�s, Loughbrickland and St Mary�s, Lisnagade.

Fr Murray, the new Parish Priest of Dromore, is pictured with his brother, sister and cousins, following his Service of Induction at St Colman�s Church, Dromore, last Sunday morning (27^th August).  L to R: (front) Rose Ann Mackin, Fr Patrick J Murray, Catherine Quinn and Betty Fegan.  (back row) Martin Quinn, John Francis Murray, Bill Fegan and Danny Fegan.  Missing from the photograph is Fr Murray�s sister, Marian.

The Service of Induction was conducted by the Very Rev. Canon Gerard McCrory, P.P. - Magheradroll and Dromara.  Canon McCrory emphasised the need to walk the ways of faith and hoped that the congregation would help Fr Murray find happiness in this new parish and concluded by assuring them that he knows that Fr Murray will serve the parish well.

Accepting responsibility for the parish of Dromore, Fr Murray in his address thanked Canon McCrory, the choir and organist and all who took part in the ceremony.  He welcomed his family, relations and friends and gave a special thanks to the members of the parish of Aghaderg where he gained valuable experience during the past three years.  He spoke of the sadness of leaving a parish and looked back in fondness to the parish and people of Aghaderg where he enjoyed friendship, support and encouragement.

Fr Murray continued, �Moving to the parish of Dromore is a complete new beginning for me, and as with all new beginnings, there is a sense of anticipation and anxiety.  The task is not made any easier when I am asked to follow someone of the stature of Fr Conway, who has left as a legacy, a beautiful new church at Ballela, this church of St Colman�s and the adjacent Parochial House in immaculate condition.  His attentive pastoral care has been enjoyed by many people of the Parish of Dromore for the past 16 years.  I would like to thank him for his welcome and I know I can be assured of his continued support.  A new chapter begins in my Priestly Ministry here today � I look forward to my years with you in this Parish and as your Parish Priest and I look forward to getting to know you all.�