Father Tony Hennessy's dry, sometimes comedic, wit and his blunt honesty will be missed at Wellington's St Patrick's Church when he leaves for Mudgee in mid January.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Pastoral care's Peter Duffy said the community would miss Father Hennessy, after he guided the community for the past four years and three months.
"He has been a real character for our church," Mr Duffy said.
Father Hennessy said he had been blessed to be with a community that gave.
"I have overseen more than 100 funerals here and many weddings which is remarkable for a small area like this. People are very giving and come together to support each others in the best and worst times," he said.
"The community in Stuart Town for example are one of the best I have ever been with. For a little church they really do a wonderful job. Yeoval has also been tremendous this year - we celebrated 40 years with some really colourful and interesting people."
The parish priest has been promoted to Mudgee where he will take over in mid January.
"It's a larger and growing parish and while this is an unforgettable experience the new priest here is a wonderful fellow," he said.
"I am looking forward to sharing God's word with the people of Mudgee and surrounds.
"The laying of the 100-year foundation stone, the Infant de Prague opening at St Mary's have also been important parts of my time here. The parents raise money for the sick and ill at St Marys and I admire their work.
"Naidoc Day has also been something St Mary's has been very good at and the experience has also helped me learn more.
"Those who work in the presbytery have been of enormous assistance and those in church committees.
"I leave with Wellington with great memories."
