Shake-up of Kildare clergy announced
Fr John Fitzpatrick is set to retire
There has been a raft of changes in the allocation of Kildare clergy announced by the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin.
Bishop Denis Nulty said the changes were “against the backdrop of an ever-changing pastoral environment with fewer priests and an aging cohort”.
Changes include the retirement of Carbury PP John Fitzpatrick with Fr Bernard Reyhart taking up the reigns, moving from Prosperous.
Fr. Ger Breen, chaplain of SETU Carlow and previously on sabbatical leave, will become PP in Kildare Town.
Newbridge native Fr David Vard becomes parish priest in Stradbally in Co Laois.
The full list of changes are:
Fr John Fitzpatrick PP Carbury to retire and live at Braganza, Carlow
Fr Bernard Reyhart CC Prosperous to become PP Carbury
Fr Liam Lawton Adm Edenderry to become CC Edenderry
Fr Greg Corcoran PP Rhode & Clonbullogue to become PP Edenderry & Rhode
Fr Adrian Carbery PE Adm Kildare to become PE CC Kildare
Fr Padraig Shelley PP Arles to become PP of Arles & Doonane
Deacon Gary Moore to become Adm of Clonbullogue while the sacramental needs will be coordinated by Fr. Greg Corcoran PP Edenderry & Rhode
Fr. David Vard Adm Stradbally to become PP Stradbally
Fr Locky Flanagan CSSp AP Kildare to become CC Newbridge
Fr Brian Kavanagh CC Allen to assist in Newbridge, while continuing to work in the Marriage Appeal Tribunal, Coordinating the Permanent Diaconate Programme and working with Accord
Fr Michael Cudzilo CC Newbridge to become CC Prosperous
Fr Andrei Blaj, on loan from the Diocese of Iasi (Romania) to become CC Edenderry, Rhode & Clonbullogue.
Fr Brian Maguire SPS on sabbatical leave to return to St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan
Fr Martin Smith SPS resumes Chaplain SETU Carlow
In a statement, Bishop Nulty said: “It is an ongoing challenge to sustain the traditional model of parish and church. For far too long we relied almost exclusively on a priest-led church, ministering to the lay faithful.
“Recent initiatives are helping us rebalance how we are and will be church. Our diocesan pastoral ministry programme, which commences this month will introduce trained pastoral ministers to our parishes and pastoral areas.
“It so heartening that this weekend our first seminarian in a number of years commences his formation in Maynooth. In late October I will ordain five more Permanent Deacons. All of this gives me great joy as I see the church very much alive in our diocese.
“Today’s announcement of changes is later than planned. Over recent months I have met many men taking soundings from them, while continuing to pray about what might be best for our diocese.
“In October I will look at diaconate appointments, to endeavour that we move towards at least one deacon in every pastoral area. I ask you to keep our priests and deacons in your prayers, to help them and to support them at this important time in our diocese. The changes come into effect on Friday 3 October 2025."
