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News from the Central West

22 March, 2024
Fr Bang, svd and Fr Shaiju with parishioners and friends of St Patrick's Blackall for a 'first' and 'last' Blackall Mass for the incoming and outgoing Parish Priests
Fr Shaiju with a personalised farewell gift from the Catholic Schools of the Central West

February was a big time of change in the Central West with the departure of Fr Shaiju and the arrival of Fr Bang, svd.  Fr Shaiju was farewelled with gatherings large and small throughout the Central West as most communities said ‘Thank you’ and ‘Goodbye’ during the 4 weeks prior to his departure.  Fr Shaiju’s willingness to minister in the Central West for four years was appreciated by everyone.  For over two years he undertook these duties alone, and we all wish him both an easier and happier life in his next role.

Fr Bang svd arrived on the eve of Ash Wednesday, so there was no gradual easing in of duties. In his first 10 days he had Ash Wednesday, Bishop’s Inservice Day and a trip to Rockhampton for Fr Peter’s ordination.  Somehow he also found time to visit both nursing homes, the three Catholic schools in our region, and celebrate both weekend and weekday Masses in our three largest communities.  We look forward to working with Fr Bang svd and Fr Kingsley as together we live Christ’s mission in the Central West.

Fr Kingsley, Fr Bang svd and Fr Shaiju with parishioners of St Brigid’s Longreach