On Wednesday 1 September, Fr Brian Connolly, our Parish Priest, will retire. Fr Brian has been the Parish Priest of Stanthorpe and St Mary’s Wallangarra since Saturday 22 February 2003, 18½ years. Fr Brian replaced Fr Lino Valente who was Parish Priest for 21 years. There has been remarkable “stability” for the Parish – only two Parish Priests for the last 39½ years.

Fr Brian’s retirement comes after almost fifty-two years of pastoral ministry in the Toowoomba Diocese which has involved eight appointments. We thank Father for his contributions to the school, staff, students and families during his time here in Stanthorpe, and wish him the very best for the years ahead.

St Joseph’s School will formally farewell Fr Brian on Wednesday 1 September at 9.30am when he celebrates Mass with us for the final time. Mass will be followed by a morning tea.

The farewell Mass will also be an opportunity to welcome our new Parish Priest and Deacon.

The new Parish Priest of Stanthorpe will be Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran (Fr Gonzo) who is currently the Parish Administrator of Chinchilla, with pastoral responsibility for the Parishes of Miles, Taroom and Wandoan.

Fr Gonzo was incardinated into the Diocese of Toowoomba last year after arriving in the Diocese a few years ago, having spent ten years in Hong Kong. Fr Gonzo’s homeland is Mexico. Fr Gonzo has many skills in the field of technology which, along with his strong pastoral skills, will greatly benefit and enrich the Parish. Fr Gonzo is also very keen to support the staff and students at St Joseph’s School and we look forward to the enthusiasm he will bring to our community. My fellow principal in Chinchilla speaks very highly of Fr Gonzo and the work he does in the school community there.

The newly ordained Deacon, Brian Redondo, whose homeland is the Philippines and who was Ordained a transitional Deacon (and will in due course be Ordained a Priest) has also been appointed by the Bishop to the Parish of St Joseph’s Stanthorpe. Deacon Brian is currently in the Parish of Clifton, residing in Cambooya, where he has been since late last year. We are looking forward to working with Deacon Brian as well.

I invite all families to Father Brian’s farewell on September 1.