NEW administrator of St Mary’s parish at South Brisbane, Fr Ken Howell, believes that its parishioners “have a strong desire to do what is best for their community”.
However, Fr Howell (pictured) also acknowledged in conversation with The Catholic Leader that an “impasse” existed in the handover process with the former administrator Fr Peter Kennedy.
It’s an impasse which Fr Howell, also St Stephen’s Cathedral dean, hopes will be broken by Archbishop John Bathersby’s appointment of former High Court judge Ian Callinan as an independent mediator.
Even this is uncertain, however, as Fr Kennedy was reported in local and interstate media as saying that any mediation should involve the parish community.
Last weekend’s unprecedented events saw Fr Howell, who was earlier appointed administrator of St Mary’s parish, advised by police against celebrating Mass there.
Police said that people attending services could be at risk as feelings among parishioners continued to run high over the cancellation of Fr Kennedy’s appointment as administrator after 28 years at St Mary’s.
The archbishop was also reported to have been targeted by a bomb threat linked to the issue in a letter he received on February 20.
Fr Howell said he had made the decision not to celebrate Mass at St Mary’s “reluctantly”.
“I acknowledge that there are some people hurting and confused by recent events,” he said.
“One of my first tasks as administrator will be to initiate a process of healing and understanding.
“The important thing is that I want to start work as soon as possible.
“I’m keen to build on the good work that has been done by Fr Kennedy and the community of St Mary’s.
Fr Howell said he would be assisted by Fr Gerry Hefferan who lives in Grovely parish. Fr Hefferan is a former chaplain to Brisbane archdiocese’s Murri Ministry.
Fr Howell said last Tuesday it was uncertain whether he would be celebrating Mass at St Mary’s this weekend.
“At this point an impasse exists,” he said.
“How it is resolved will depend on Father Kennedy’s willingness to accept the archbishop’s decision to cancel his appointment as parish administrator or to enter mediation to work out a handover process.
“Obviously no date for mediation can be set until Father Kennedy indicates his willingness to be involved in the process.”
The Leader attempted to contact Fr Kennedy for a comment on the proposed mediation but a parish spokesperson said he was in meetings with his legal team. It was later reported in the local media that Fr Kennedy had “taken a vow of silence”.
