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Catholic Church Criticised for "Lavish" Job Promotion Celebrations at Kilmarnock's Grand Hall

By Fraser N Wilson
Daily Record
January 15, 2015

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/catholic-church-criticised-lavish-job-4982532

The Catholic Church have rented out the Grand Hall

The Catholic Church have defended their decision to rent out Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall to celebrate a job promotion - despite concerns raised by parishioners it was “too lavish”.

The hall has been hired by the church to recognise Father William Nolan as he officially becomes Bishop of the Diocese of Galloway, with the church saying it was a “celebration of the gift of leadership”.

But some church goers believe this goes against the ethos of helping the less fortunate.

A church spokesman told us: “The decision to use the Grand Hall allows the greatest number of people possible to participate in what will be a distinct, exceptional and truly memorable occasion.

“The Cathedral church of the diocese has a maximum capacity of 300, whereas the hall can accommodate 960 people, some of whom will be civic and ecumenical guests.

“The costs will be shared by the whole diocese and will provide a wonderful occasion for the entire people of the diocese to celebrate the gift of leadership, and to look forward with hope and enthusiasm.”

But parishioners believe the celebrations to be over the top.

One told us: “We do not contribute our weekly offerings to enable the hierarchy to enjoy lavish celebrations.

“At the same time as we are being asked to contribute to foodbanks, the diocese are behaving like pop stars by hiring the Grand Hall.”

The church spokesman said the “positive experience” of sharing in the celebration will encourage parishioners to “continue to commit” themselves to helping the poor and the needy.

Concern was also raised over the promotion of Fr Nolan, with some believing him to be ‘forceful’ in his opinions. That’s after he told parishioners they did ‘not have his permission’ to pray for a suspended priest.

Fr Nolan was appointed Bishop by Pope Francis in November, but some church-goers raised concerns, saying his conduct had been overlooked in his promotion.

A parishioner told us: “Considering Bishop Nolan and his predecessor have made two of their own priests homeless for whistle-blowing, a more low-key celebration would be more fitting.”

She was speaking in relation to Fr Nolan’s vocal opposition to claims made by Fr Matthew Despard of unwanted homosexual advances during his training, in his book, Priesthood in Crisis.

Fr Despard was suspended in 2013 after the publication of the book, which also included claims of a cover-up of powerful homosexual cliques in the Catholic church.

The book – published in the wake of the Cardinal Keith O’Brien scandal – has now been pulled by web giants, Amazon, despite becoming an online bestseller, charting at No.125 out of 1.9 million digital titles.

Amazon said the book does not adhere to their guidelines.

Fr Nolan openly discredited Fr Despard and was involved in removing him from his parish house, with legal costs now being sought by the church against Mr Despard.

During a court case at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Fr Despard claimed Fr Nolan had sought to replace him to avenge friends named in the book.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Galloway said: “His previous position required Fr Nolan to be party to legal proceedings raised by Fr Despard against the Diocese. He did not prevent anyone from saying their own prayers in church, but pointed out public prayers should only be arranged with the prior agreement of the priest in charge.”

Fr Nolan takes over from Fr John Cunningham, who presided over the eviction of Galston priest, Fr Patrick Lawson.

Fr Lawson himself made allegations of sexual abuse against another priest. Since making these claims, cancer sufferer Fr Lawson has lost his parochial house and his job.

The ceremony will be held at the Grand Hall on February 14.

 

 

 

 

 




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