Cardinal George Pell has appointed me as Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace Gladesville in addition to my current role as Parish Priest of St Charles Borromeo Ryde.

Initially, the two parishes will be “twinned”, i.e. remain operating as autonomous communities under the one Parish Priest. They will have to be organised in such a way that one Priest can run them both.

Twinning is a long established strategy in other dioceses in response to the shortage of Priests.

It requires detailed organisation and realistic expectations. I will need help and understanding from the members of both parishes. It is less than 20 years ago that Ryde alone had 3 Priests!

My appointment at Gladesville begins on Monday 12th April 2010.