Let us welcome our new Bishop Pope Francis

Let us welcome our new Bishop

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Patrick Mc. Kinney, a priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, as tenth Bishop of Nottingham. He will become Bishop when he is ordained by Cardinal Vincent Nichols in St Barnabas’ Cathedral on Friday 3 rd July 2015

In this Gospel we are reminded of the shortage of priests and religious leaders in our diocese. For the last year we have been waiting for a Bishop to lead all of the churches and schools in our diocese. So we are now in a time of great celebration as he will be working closely with us in school!

“Throughout my priestly m inistry, now almost 37 years, I have alw ays tried to do my best in whatever has been asked of me. Now, as I prepare prayerfully to give of my best in the service of the Diocese of Nottingham, I ask for the prayers of eve ryone there. I look forward to getting to know all the priests, the deacons, religious, and lay men and women of the Diocese, and also w orking alongside other Christians”

Monsignor Patrick Mc. Kinney has asked for prayers as he prepares to undertake his new role in guiding our diocese. As a form we would like you to write a prayer, poem or message of welcome to our new Bishop, these will then be made into a booklet to be sent to Monsignor Patrick Mc. Kinney- remember to make them look colourful and neat and remember your Literacy skills!!

God, eternal shepherd, you tend your Church in many ways and rule us with love. You have chosen your servant, Monsignor Patrick Mc. Kinney, to be a shepherd of your flock. Give him a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. Amen