Clergy appointments

Archbishop Cushley has written to clergy today (Wednesday 24 January) to inform them of the forthcoming changes in the Archdiocese.

The following changes take effect in June 2024:

The following changes take place with immediate effect:

Please note: Msgr Burke will remain Vicar General and a Trustee of the Archdiocese. Fr Milne will remain Vicar Episcopal for Marriage & Family life.

Archbishop Cushley expressed thanks to all those who take on roles over and above their parochial duties for the good of the Archdiocese.

Retirement

We can also announce that Dr Elspeth Atkinson will retire from the post of Chief Operating Officer (CEO) in June. Archbishop Cushley has thanked her for the professionalism and expertise she brought to the role in her seven years at the Archdiocese. A new CEO will be appointed in due course.

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Guide to roles

What is the role of Moderator of the Curia?
The Moderator of the Curia coordinates the exercise of the administrative duties and oversees those who hold offices and minister in diocesan administration.

What is the role of Chancellor?
The chancery is the administrative branch of the Archdiocese. Under the guidance of the Chancellor it handles the official documents pertaining to the ecclesiastical affairs of the Archdiocese.

What is the role of Chair of the Trustees?
Trustees are the people in overall control and management of the Archdiocese. They are responsible for the charity's governance and strategy, and for making sure that the charity is administered effectively.

What is the role of Vicar Episcopal of Ecumenism & Interfaith Dialogue?
He leads the Office for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue. Its responsibilities include developing relations with other Christian denominations and faith groups and promoting ecumenical events.

What is the role of Vicar Episcopal for International Clergy?
To support the international clergy working in the Archdiocese.

What is the role of Chief Operating Officer?
Under the management of the Moderator of the Curia, the Chief Operating Officer manages all the employees of the Curia. They report to the Trustees and supports them in their work of running the Archdiocese.

 

Funeral arrangements for Fr Thomas McNulty

The funeral arrangements for Fr Tom McNulty have been confirmed.

The Vigil of Reception is on Sunday 14 January at 7pm at St Kentigern's, 26 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 7QR.

The  Requiem Mass will take place at midday on Monday 15 January at midday. Burial thereafter will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery.

Fr Tom died peacefully on Saturday at Inverclyde Royal Hospital. He was 90.

Fr Tom (right) pictured after concelebrating Mass with Archbishop Cushley at the Missionaries of Charity in Hopetoun Crescent, Edinburgh,  in 2015.

He was ordained to the priesthood at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh in 1956 and faithfully served in seven parishes in the Archdiocese:

  • St Mary, Kirkcaldy, 1956-1963
  • St Bernadette, Larbert, 1963-1969
  • St Columba, Edinburgh, 1969-1972
  • Our Lady & St Margaret, Duns, 1972-1984
  • St Kentigern, Edinburgh, 1984-1998
  • Sacred Heart, Penicuik, 1998-2001
  • Our Lady of the Waves, Dunbar, 2002-2006
Fr Tom (second from right) at Mass to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of St Kentigern's in Barnton in 2016. He was parish priest there from 1984-1998.

Fr Tom attended St John's in Portobello (1938-1940), Holy Cross in Edinburgh (1940-45) before heading to Blair's College, the junior seminary.

He studied for the priesthood at St Sulpice in Paris (1951-56) and was ordained alongside his friend  James Friel, who died in 2019.

Tributes poured in for the much-loved priest following the announcement of his passing on social media.

Senga Welsh wrote: "Father McNulty was a truly wonderful person, a great Parish Priest, whom my family loved when he was in St. Bernadette's in Larbert."

Laura Swan wrote: "So sad to read this. A much loved priest during his time at St Kentigern's. Rest in peace."

Fr Thomas latterly resided at the Holy Rosary Residence in Greenock.

He died peacefully at Inverclyde Hospital on Saturday night, having been admitted there a couple of days earlier.

Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy, pray for him.

WATCH: Professor Biello leads Clergy Formation Day

Professor Stephany Biello was the speaker at our Clergy Formation Day at Gillis on Tuesday.

The day was titled, Breaking the Chains of Anxiety by Embracing the Power of Connection and saw clergy from across the Archdiocese attend.

She said: "We were trying to give priests practical tools to deal with anxiety in their own lives but then also in the lives of people who are in their parish community.

"So this is the perfect event to be talking about something like this, because clergy formation days allow priests time to come together, have a meal together and have some fraternity."

Stephany Biello is Professor of Neuroscience and Biopsychology and Dean of Learning and Teaching at Glasgow University.

Clergy moves take effect

Here are the clergy moves which take effect from Saturday 2 September 2023.  Originally announced on 2 July to parishes subject to changes.

Clergy moves update

Here are the clergy moves which take effect from Friday 6 October 2023.

For clergy changes announced in June 2023, see here.

Clergy moves announced

Archbishop Cushley has announced the following moves among clergy in the Archdiocese. These moves will take canonical effect on 3 September 2022.

Also

Also

Clergy moves

Archbishop Leo Cushley has announced the following clergy changes within the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh:

These changes will be effective as of 05 September 2020. Please keep these, and all our priests, in your prayers. Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy, pray for them.

To the clergy: supporting our priests and deacons

Archbishop Cushley has issued his latest update to priests and deacons on Covid-19 procedures. He shares the message with you here, so everyone is aware of the details they have been given. In this way we can all work together to keep safe.

Please pray for your parish priest and our deacons, show them support and encouragement as they continue to minister to us in a difficult situation.

Closure of churches
"As you will know, the Prime Minister yesterday instructed all people to stay at home (except in exceptional circumstances) and to avoid all gatherings of more than two people.  As a result of this announcement, and following instructions from the Scottish Government, the Bishops’ Conference reluctantly mandated the closure of all our churches across the country.

"The Bishops encourage all priests to continue to celebrate daily Mass privately, and to keep in touch with their parishioners through the means of modern technology.  This document (from Deacon Eddie White) helps explain how it is possible to harness the internet to transmit Mass to your people and to stay in touch with them in prayer and spiritual solidarity.  Please let your parishioners know that you will be celebrating Mass for them, even if they cannot be present.  I also attach some thinking you may wish to reflect upon and share with them on eucharistic fasting and spiritual communion

Holy Communion
"Unfortunately, social distancing means that we ought not to distribute the Sacraments except at an inconvenient distance, which means that Holy Communion may now be given to people only in danger of death."

Visiting the Sick and Elderly, and taking them Holy Communion
"Due to the new regulations announced yesterday, neither you nor your Eucharistic Ministers may now visit the Sick. The only call that you may respond to is to someone in danger of death."

Penance & Reconciliation 
"If you are approached for the Sacrament of Penance, therefore, you must take into account all the Government’s hygiene precautions and maintain a significant distance between yourself and the penitent."

Baptisms, Marriages & Funerals
"Baptisms and Marriages have been suspended by the State. Funerals now consist solely in a short ceremony either at the graveside or the crematorium, attended by only the immediate family members: how many people will depend on the State, and perhaps the Funeral Directors. No matter how many people come, social distancing must be observed. Please choose Rites from the books that will make the moment significant but brief.  Offer also to celebrate a Requiem Mass on the day itself for the deceased, although you must do so until further notice without the presence of the people."

The Anointing of the Sick & Viaticum
"Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum should only be carried out in danger of death. If you do anoint someone, let me suggest that you follow the advice from NHS Lothian.  If you are over 70, or have underlying conditions, do not expose yourself to risk. Those who do anoint those in danger of death must observe all the Government’s hygiene precautions strictly. Anointing may be applied (eg on the back of the hands) using a piece of cotton wool, to be used once and then disposed of properly.  In hospital you will be required to put on a disposable gown, mask, and gloves."

Staying safe
"As I did last week, I again appeal to all of you, both to make yourself aware of, and carefully follow, all public health advice about how to limit the spread of this virus. And again, I remind all those of you who are over 70, or who have underlying health conditions, that you must minimise your contact with others. If you test positive for the virus or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, follow the present Government guidelines on self-isolation and please let the Dean, or me, know of your health status and if you need any help."

Keep the Sabbath Holy
"If you are communicating with your people online, please also remind them that, although we cannot go to Mass on Sunday at the moment, we are nevertheless obliged, as Christians, to keep the Sabbath holy. Please, therefore, encourage them to pray at home together and to assist at Mass online if they can. Sunday Mass is now available in English, Polish and Syro-Malabar, each Sunday, from various places in the diocese.  I am very grateful to all those of you who have successfully reached out to your people in this way."

Christian Initiation at Easter
"The situation regarding Holy Week has now changed dramatically.  In line with the recent decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, I have reluctantly decided to postpone this year’s Chrism Mass indefinitely. Unhappily, the popular Polish blessing service on Holy Saturday must also be suspended.  I invite our Polish priests to be imaginative about holding a blessing service online for their people.  Thank you for your understanding. Use the Emergency Rites to consecrate Oil of the Sick as required: a helpful version of the Rites in cases of danger of death is also in that link."

Day of Prayer, 25 and 27 March 2020
"Please join the Holy Father as he prays with all Christians throughout the world at 11:00am on Wedesday, and for his special Urbi et Orbi blessing on Friday at 5:00pm."

Memorare
I would also ask you to encourage everyone to pray the Memorare once a day to Our Lady, Health of the Sick.

Please keep me in your prayers at this time and be sure of my prayers for each one of you.

A happy Feast of the Annunciation to you.

In Christ,

+Leo Cushley
Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh

 

List of links:

Eucharistic fasting click here

Spiritual Communion click here

Energency rites click here

Recent Decree click here

Streaming on YouTube click here

Plus:

Beginners' guide to streaming (from Church of England) click here