Letter from Bishop Paul

Please see below a letter from Bishop Paul titled, Appointments to Parishes in the Ballarat Region.

Hello Everyone,

On December 6, following discussions with priests and parishioners, I announced that we would have four ministry districts in the Ballarat region.

After further consultations, I am now able to make appointments of priests to serve in these groups of parishes. The following appointments will take effect on April 10, 2024.

Ballarat Cathedral Parish, Ballarat North Parish and Beaufort Parish

Administrator: Fr Edward Moloney

Assistant Priests: Fr James McKay, Fr Francis Kureeckal MST

Ballarat East Parish, Bungaree Parish and Gordon Parish

     Parish Priest: Fr Justin Driscoll                Assistant Priest: Fr Matthew Restall

 Redan Parish, Sebastopol Parish and Linton Parish

    Parish Priest: Fr Concord Bagaoisan OSJ    Assistant Priest: Fr Eladio Lizada OSJ

 Wendouree Parish, Creswick Parish and Daylesford Parish

     Parish Priest: Fr Marcello Colasante

In view of Fr Matthew Restall’s appointment to the Ballarat East, Bungaree and Gordon Parishes, I have appointed Fr Sajan Mathew as Assistant Priest in the Paul VI Parish in the Wimmera-Mallee.

The priests who are currently serving in these parishes will continue in their current appointments until April 10, when the new appointments will take effect. I hope this advance planning will be helpful in allowing time to prepare for the transition to the new arrangements.

I thank everyone who has been involved in the consultations over the past few months. I thank the priests for their readiness to serve in the various parish communities.

God bless you all.

Bishop Paul