Priests are on the move as bishop makes many changes 

GOD moves in mysterious ways. Priests, though, are somewhat more predictable. Every few years they are shuffled around the diocese in an attempt to keep things fresh. 

The transfer window has opened and closed and now the 2005 clerical appointments for Kildare and Leighlin have been announced. In what Bishop Jim Moriarty hopes will be changes that will enhance the parishes and the priests, several Carlovian flocks are to have new figureheads.  

There will be a homecoming of sorts for Fr John Dunphy who is moving from his CC role in Newbridge, to be the PP in Graiguecullen. Father Dunphy is well known locally having spent several years in the past teaching in Knockbeg College. 

Fr Dunphy will be replacing Fr Byrne as the Parish Priest of Graig. Fr Byrne, who has served the Barrowside Parish for four years, is going to the Dublin Regional Marriage Tribunals Office. 

Also in the town, Fr. John Cummins, Chaplain Carlow IT is to become the CC in Carlow where he replaces the well-known Fr Ger Cushen who moves to Naas. 

Fr. Seán Maher, Scripture Lecturer in St. Patrick's, Carlow College is the new promoter of Scripture Studies and Lectio Divina within the diocese. 

Changes are also afoot in county Carlow. From the Kingdom they come to Tullow. Fr Andy Leahy, originally from Kerry, is to be the CC of Tullow. Fr Leahy was trained in Kildare and Leighlin and his previous work in the priesthood has been in this diocese. 

In the south of the county, the CC of Borris, Fr John O'Brien, originally from Mountrath, is to become the Parish Priest of Borris. 

Overall, the Dioceses are satisfied with the changes. "We're very pleased that that we are able to supply the priests to the vacancies from within the diocese," said Fr Micheál Murphy, diocesan communications officer, adding that such movements are a positive thing for the church. "It's always understood that with these moves, they will be good for the parishes and good for the men themselves." The appointments will be effective from August 7, 2005. 

This list in full is: V. Rev. Fr. K. Byrne, PP, Graiguecullen, Carlow, to Dublin Regional Marriage Tribunal Office; Rev. Fr. John O'Brien, CC, Borris to be Parish Priest, Borris; Rev. Fr. John Dunphy, CC, Newbridge, Co. Kildare to be PP, Graiguecullen, Carlow; Rev. Fr. Andy Leahy, to be CC, Tullow, Co. Carlow; Rev. Fr. Thomas O'Byrne to be CC, Portarlington/Emo; Rev. Fr. John Cummins, Chaplain Carlow IT to be CC, Carlow; Rev. Fr. Brian Kavanagh, CC Newbridge and Dublin Regional Marriage Tribunal Office to sabbatical; Rev. Fr. Se·n Maher, Scripture Lecturer in St. Patrick's, Carlow College, promoter of Scripture Studies and Lectio Divina within the diocese; Rev. Fr. Ruairi O'Domhnaill, CC, Naas, to be CC Newbridge, Co. Kildare; Rev. Fr. Ger Cushen, CC, Carlow to be CC, Naas, Co. Kildare; Rev. Fr. Pat Hughes newly ordained to be CC, Newbridge Co. Kildare.