Clergy Appointments

This weekend, Bishop Toal has announced the following clergy appointments within the Diocese:

- Fr John Paul McShane, PP of St Mary’s, Lanark, will become Parish Priest of St Mary’s and St Bernard’s, Coatbridge.

- Fr James Travers, PP of St Mary’s and Bernard’s, will become Parish Priest of St Patrick’s, Strathaven.

- Fr Christopher Morris, Administrator of St Patrick’s, Strathaven, will become Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Lanark.

These changes will take place on 1st October 2026.

Bishop Toal thanks the three priests for their ministry in their present parishes, and asks your prayers for them and their parishes as they prepare to move.

The Bishop has also announced further changes:

- Fr Christopher Furmage, at present Assistant Priest at St Joseph’s, Blantyre, will become Assistant Priest at St John the Baptist’s, Uddingston, on 1st October 2026.

Chaplaincy Changes:

- Fr Furmage will also take over from Fr Colum Martin as Chaplain at University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride, from 1st October.

- Fr Colum Martin will become School Chaplain to St John Ogilvie’s HS, Blantyre, along with the Chaplaincy at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s HS, East Kilbride, after the October Holiday. He will replace Fr Martin Delaney at St John Ogilvie’s HS

- Fr Paul Denney, PP of St James’, Coatbridge, has already succeeded Fr Ghislain Bakulikiri Mulumanzi as School Chaplain at St Andrew’s HS, Coatbridge.

- Fr Christopher Igwe, Assistant Priest at St Mark’s and St Anthony’s, Rutherglen, will succeed Fr Stephen Reilly as School Chaplain of Trinity HS Rutherglen, when Fr Stephen goes to Uganda in September for a six-week missionary experience. During Fr Reilly’s absence Fr Igwe will also care for St Mark’s and St Anthony’s.

- Frs Christopher Furmage and Kieran Burt recently joined the Diocesan Communications Team. As members of this group they will have a particular remit for Promoting Vocations.

Thanks to all who are taking on these responsibilities and those who have completed their ministry within them.