As parish priest Fr Paul was also responsible for the communities of Stroud and Nabiac, with parishioners from each present at his farewell.

For the first time in the parish’s history, the general administration of the parish will fall upon a small elected lay parish leadership team of five parishioners who will attend to the usual demands of an active and vibrant parish. 

Fr Paul had gave notice to Bishop Bill Wright late last year that he had reached his retirement age and wished to leave Gloucester.

Retired priest Fr Peter Malone will reside at the presbytery and attend to a limited range of liturgical duties in the absence of a ‘priest leader and administrator’ while the lay leadership team will attend to and lead the other responsibilities of the parish.

“The leadership team will look after parish community issues, worship and prayer, education and spiritual formation, mission and outreach and administration while Fr Peter will say Mass and provide services such as baptisms, weddings and funerals on a needs basis,” the parish leadership team spokesman Paul Sheridan said.

Fr Paul will retire to Newcastle at the end of the month. 

“Fr Paul will be missed and at his farewell, people spoke highly of his special attributes and achievements during his 17 years in the lcoal community,” Mr Sheridan said.

 “Fr Paul was especially praised for his efforts to make everyone feel welcome to the Catholic community, his empathy for the sick, ill and bereaved and his ability for forging closer ties with other Gloucester Christian churches. 

“He was thanked for his long and dedicated service to the parishes and their communities.”

To contact St Joseph’s Catholic parish call 6558 1290.