A REVIEW in the Lismore Diocese has resulted in the permanent amalgamation of the parishes of Kempsey and Smithtown.
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Kempsey parish priest Fr Paul Gooley had assumed responsibility for Smithtown in a caretaker role since the retirement of Fr Bernard Kenny last year.
Following his diocesan review, Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett reduced the number of parishes from 28 to 22, with the Macleay now falling within one parish.
Fr Gooley’s parish incorporates the churches in Kempsey, South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Willawarrin and Smithtown.
Dwindling priest numbers is the main factor in the realignment of parish boundaries in northern NSW.
“This is the reality we face at this time,” Fr Gooley said.
“The church is adapting to the change.”
Mass times in the parish remain the same.
