Offaly parish gives heartfelt send-off to Fr John Moorhead

The community of Eglish / Drumcullen gave a heartfelt send-off to their “shepherd of many years”, Fr John Moorhead, on Friday evening in Rath Church.

At the age of 84 and having served as PP in Eglish / Drumcullen since January 1992, Fr John is retiring from the PP position, but he will remain in the parish and will be able to participate in liturgy if he wishes to.

Originally from Girley, Kells he was born on the 21st of September 1940. He was educated in UCD and the Gregorian College Rome.

He was ordained in Trim on the 6th of January 1980 by Bishop John McCormack and since then served in the following parishes: Trim, Kingscourt, Dunshaughlin, Mullingar, Kilcormac (Mountbolus) and Eglish / Drumcullen.

The retirement mass in Rath Church was attended by 14 clergy including the Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan. Fr Michael Meade, PP, officiated. The Chairperson of the Parish Committee Bernadette Spain told the Tribune that thankfully the parish will not be left “without a shepherd” following Fr John's stepping down and will be “looked after” by Fr Meade.

In his homily Fr Meade told the congregation that the mass was an opportunity to express a sense of thanksgiving for Fr John's life of dedication and service to the Parish. For the last 33 years he had overseen countless baptisms, weddings and funerals. Fr Meade named the names and dates of Fr John's first baptism, first wedding and first funeral in the parish.

“I've been reading the autobiography of Pope Francis," he continued. "In the prologue Pope Francis speaks about journeys; he speaks about journeys of hope; he speaks about the journeys of those who came before us, those who are journeying now with us, and the journeys of those who will follow us.”

Fr Meade said the priesthood is very much a public journey, frequently lived out in the public eye. “From the moment you are ordained, from the moment of the laying on of hands, each priest embarks on this very public journey, a journey full of challenges and rewards. Fr John's journey since he was ordained 45 years ago has been a very active and fulfilling one. Of course it is filled with countless memories, many of them happy, many of them sad.”

Fr Meade said we all possess something of the characteristics of Martha and Mary in our characters. Sometimes, like Martha, we have no time to sit and listen; at other times, like Mary, we are willing to sit and listen. “We are like Mary this evening because we are willing to sit and listen in this church, we are able to give thanks for the service of someone who has shared in our lives. Of course Mary's approach is the better one. No one could take away this disposition, this way of being, from her. Likewise, no one could take away Fr John's good characteristics from him, including his loyal presence, his wonderful and great witness, his hope and endurance. Fr John is a very learned man. His knowledge is immense, encyclopedic. If you want to engage in a debate with Fr John it is best that you prepare very thoroughly! In spiritual matters he is very knowledgeable. I know John very well, ever since I served with him as a Curate in Kingscourt many years ago and, like you, I have many great stories about him and many fond memories.

“Fr John had a number of gifts but his greatest gift was his priesthood and for the last 33 years, with this gift he has accompanied the parishioners in their journeys of life and faith.”

Bishop Deehinan also offered a word of thanks for Fr John's “ministry in this and other parishes.” The Bishop said Fr John was very proud of driving the renovation of a couple of churches under his care, including the church in Rath. “His homilies were also very interesting and very well researched. It is very clear tonight, because of your excellent turnout, that Fr John is a very important part of your community. I want to thank you, the community for all your assistance for John during the practice of his ministry throughout the last 33 years. Ad multos annos.” Fr John received a round of applause from the congregation.

During the Prayers of the Faithful Fr John's deceased family members were remembered, especially his parents, Philomena and Fred, sister Rosemary, and brothers Richard and George.

Bernadette Spain, addressing the congregation, remembered Fr John's many kind acts over the 33 years, including many visits to the sick and elderly, the lonely, the young and old; she remembered his “neverending support” for the school in Rath and its pupils.

Noel Quegan then presented Fr John with an engraved chalice and Colin Horan presented him with a framed portrait of Pope Leo.

Afterwards everyone went across the road to the hall for refreshments and a chat.

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