Farewell to Fr. Pat Gilbert
On Wednesday Bishop Fintan announced his clerical
changes for the Diocese of Killaloe, These changes
impact on Birr Parish and the Brendan Cluster of parishes with the retirement of Fr, Pat Gilbert as school
chaplain to St. Brendan’s Community School. Fr. Pat
is undertaking a sabbatical for a year with a view to
returning to pastoral ministry in the Diocese in 2022.
Fr. Pat will be greatly missed. He has been central to
the lives and families of so many whilst serving in the
role of school chaplain for 32 years. He has celebrated
the joyful moments with the marriages of so many of
his past students and the baptising of their children.
His enthusiasm and love of sports and music enabled
him to make many connections. In his school role as a
teacher he had a profoundly positive influence,
nurturing the faith and religious formation of our young
people. Fr. Pat has been there for the painful and sad
occasions bringing solace and hope. His wise and reflective counsel has been a great light and strength to
so many,
We wish him every blessing on the next stage of his
journey. May he have continued good health and inner
serenity. We thank him for his work and ministry as a
good and faithful priest here in Birr Parish and with
sadness bid him farewell.