Parish Priest

Parish Priest

Rev. Father Joseph Francis Walsh M.The. PP

Born Tuam, County Galway . Ireland 26.01.1952
Primary School St. Louis School Kiltimagh. Co. Mayo.
High School 1965 – 1970 St. Nathy’s College. Ballaghaderreen. Co Roscommon
Seminary 1970 – 1976 All Hallows College. Drumcondra, Dublin
Ordained 13.06.1976 All Hallows College Dublin by Bishop Dermot O’Mahony
Mission 20.09.1976 Arrived in Perth, Australia

Summary

  • Perth At St. Mary’s Cathedral I got an overview of the Archdiocesan administration under the direction of Archbishop Goody, and enjoyed the challenge of par-time chaplain at the Royal Perth Hospital , Marriage Tribunal, St. Catherine’s, and the many visitors and celebrations at the Cathedral Presbytery.
  • Northam My first introduction to rural Australia and the large parish of Northam gave me an insight into the struggle of the farming community.During that time we had a large youth group who were full of vitality.In Northam there was time on hands to be with people, I enjoyed the horse riding, home visits and the gracious hospitality and fine dinners.
  • Subiaco As assistant Priest to Fr. Michael Ryan PP. my responsibility was to King Edward Memorial Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. This was a time of great learning at the bedside of patience. Soon I realized I need more training in the area of Chaplaincy. { For the patient is only one of the people to be ministered to }
  • Dublin As Development Director for six years this responsibility was enormous and challenging, being part of a team in transforming a Seminary to a leading Theological Institute. My responsibilities included fund raising, travel, p.r. completing a CPE programme, attending to and giving retreats and lectures around the world. This turned out to be one of the most significant appointments in my priesthood.
  • Gingin The contrast to the above assignment could not have been greater, there were six mass centres in this parish. I enjoyed the part time responsibilities associated with the RAAF at Bullsbrook. I used my spare time to complete a Masters of Theology at the Notre Dame University
  • Nollamara Archbishop Hickey invited me to take on this parish after the sudden death of the much loved Fr. Rupert Kelly. We had to expand the School, upgrade the plant and build a new Parish Centre.
  • Subiaco In 2001 after dialogue with Archbishop Hickey I was appointed back to St. Joseph ‘s this time as Parish Priest. In a short time we started the restoration and upgrade of this beautiful Church, Presbytery and grounds. The enthusiasm and support of the community has been extraordinary. Cathedral Art and Furnishing Committee 2005 Archbishop’s Representative on John XX111 Council 2004 Board of CSM 2003.