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Administrator appointed for Bathurst Diocese Print E-mail
Fr Patrick O’ReganThursday 13 November 2008

Fr Patrick O’Regan has been elected by the Diocesan Consultors of Bathurst as Administrator of the Diocese, following the Pope’s acceptance of Bishop Patrick Dougherty’s resignation, having reached retirement age.

Fr Patrick O’Regan is currently Assistant Priest at the Cathedral Parish in Bathurst.

The Administrator is charged with the pastoral care and administration of the Diocese, until Pope Benedict appoints a successor to Bishop Dougherty.

Fr Pat was born in Bathurst and raised in Perthville and in September this year celebrated his 25th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. During these years, he has served the people of God in the Bathurst Diocese as a Deacon, Assistant Priest and Parish Priest in Lithgow, Cowra, Orange, Wellington, Bathurst and Blayney.

A noted liturgist, Fr Pat studied sacramental theology and liturgy at the Institut Catholique in Paris, graduating in 2002 with an STL. His interests are in pastoral liturgy and the theology of the Eucharist and his love of music and beautiful voice are well-known throughout the Diocese.

Fr Pat is also involved in adult education formation within the Bathurst Diocese and beyond. He is actively engaged in the education of under graduate teachers at Charles Sturt University as a Lecturer in the Certificate of Religious Education (NSW) course offered at the Bathurst and Dubbo campuses. He is a member of the National Liturgical Commission and has been Chair of the Bathurst Liturgy Commission for a number of years.

Commenting on his new role Fr Pat said: "I am honoured by the trust placed in me and invite people to pray for the Diocese as we await the announcement of a new Bishop in due course."

"I would also, on behalf of the entire Diocesan community, like to express our thanks to Bishop Dougherty for his faithful and fruitful ministry as Bishop of Bathurst over the last 25 years. We wish him a peaceful and gracious retirement."
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