“Father Paul has spent his life in the service of education. In more recent years, he has served as Secretary to the Council for Education of the Irish Bishops’ Conference and as Secretary to the Catholic Education Service. In those roles also, as Chair, I very much appreciated Father Paul’s knowledge, support, wisdom and work ethic. He has been very much involved in the negotiations in relation to the reconfiguration of Catholic primary school patronage and in discussions on policy and partnerships with Education Training Boards and Catholic Trustees in relation to Community Schools and Designated Community Colleges. He is also a Director of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) and a Director and former President of the Secretariat of Secondary Schools (AMCSS/ JMB).”
In conclusion, Bishop Deenihan, “While his appointment as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois means that the Diocese of Meath will be without his presence and expertise, it is to be welcomed that his knowledge and experience will continue to be available to the Council for Education of the Bishops’ Conference and to Catholic education in general.
“We live in a time of change and it is a challenging time to be a priest or bishop. Father Paul goes with the prayers, appreciation, congratulations and good wishes of Bishop Michael Smith, with whom he also worked closely, the priests and people of the Diocese of Meath, and of myself.
“May the Lord continue to bless Father Paul and bless his new ministry in Ardagh and Clonmacnois.”
ENDS
