Tristan : Monsignor McPartland Returns from Tristan da Cunha
Submitted by Tristan Times (Juanita Brock) 27.10.2005 (Article Archived on 10.11.2005)

With this visit completer, Monsignor McPartland is making plans for next year's pastoral call.

MONSIGNOR McPARTLAND RETURNS FROM TRISTAN

By J. Brock (FINN)

Monsignor Michael McPartland has returned from his first visit to Tristan da Cunha.  He travelled to and from the Island aboard the SA Agulhas.  While on the Island, Monsignor McPartland officiated over first communions and confirmations as well as learning about the running of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church by its three lay ministers, Mr. Derek Rogers, Mrs. Anne Green and Mr. James Glass.

While on the Island Monsignor McPartland visited the 1961 Volcano, travelled to the potato patches and went to a wedding at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. 

He also made many friends and established a yearly visit with for himself.  It is hoped that two of the Lay Ministers will be made Permanent Deacons.

The Catholic Church on the Island, thanks to the late Monsignor Anthony Agreiter, had a kit house ready to be built for a Priest.  It is hoped that one will be found who would be home in a tightly knit community.  At the moment clergy are housed in a comfortable mobile home.