Father Paul Gooley says he wants to continue the legacy of former parish priest Father Leo Donnelly.

No stranger to the Port Macquarie-Hastings area, Father Paul is the new leader of St Agnes’ Parish in Port Macquarie.

Father Paul served in Port Macquarie between 1990-1995 before spending 10 years based at Wauchope and another 10 years in Kempsey.

Since taking over from the retired powerhouse Father Donnelly in March, Father Paul says he is happy to be back in town and slowly getting reacquainted with everyone.

“Since I was appointed as the parish priest in Port Macquarie I have been in a look and learn mode,” Father Paul said.

“I have been getting to know the place again and reconnecting with my old friends as well as meeting many of the new faces.

“It is nice to be back but in some ways I don’t really feel like it was all that long ago either; I grew up in Coffs Harbour and still have family there, but I have always worked on the Mid North Coast.

“I have served in Wauchope, Macksville, Kempsey and Coffs Harbour and have now been appointed to Port Macquarie.”

Father Paul said while no-one can step into Father Donnelly’s shoes, he hopes he can help the community and continue Father Donnelly’s legacy.

I don’t think anyone would be able to top what Father Donnelly has done for the community here, but I hope that people see I want to serve them and help in any way I can.

Father Paul Gooley
“I don’t think anyone would be able to top what Father Donnelly has done for the community here, but I hope that people see I want to serve them and help in any way I can,” he said.

“I am passionate about continuing the work of Father Donnelly and investing time into all the areas we are already doing great work.

“Our outreach ministries are a huge part of what we do, especially in aged care, education, with our homeless population and in the disability sector.

“I hope to continue pushing forward with our programs to help and assist as many people as possible.”

He said youth is also a passion of his and hopes to encourage young people to do their best.

“We have so many driven and passionate young people in our community and I hope that I can assist them.

“I was fortunate to be in one of our schools the other week and listening to what projects the students are participating in and volunteering for was incredible.

“Without a doubt they are our future and I want to support them as they continue helping in our community.”

Father Paul said he doesn’t know what the future will bring, but intends to stay in Port Macquarie for at least the next while.

“Usually when the Bishop appoints a priest to a certain parish it is for 12 years so at this stage my plan is to be around for a while and I can’t wait to see what is next.”

Story courtesy of Port News