Fr Stephen McGrattan, parish priest of Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s Church in Maybole will be leaving for pastures new after the Easter Sunday service on April 4.

Parishioners learned last week of the recent clergy changes Bishop John Cunningham has made following the death of Canon John Walls, parish priest of St Teresa's, Dumfries and St Conal's, Kirkconnel, on Sunday February 28. Fr Stephen McGrattan, who has charge currently of Maybole and Mossblown parishes will be moving to be priest at Cumnock, Auchinleck and Muirkirk.

He will be succeeded by Fr Philip Kitchen who will also become chaplain to Queen Margaret Academy. At weekend services, Fr McGrattan told parishioners, “Over five memorable and special years of my life have been spent living in Maybole and serving the Catholic faith community in North Carrick.

“The activity and prayer within our church community binds us as God’s family and offers strong witness to belief in the God who saves, the God who gives new life in suffering, difficulty and death.

“It has been a gift and a privilege to be your priest, and I thank God and you for all I have received. “I am delighted to welcome Father Philip Kitchen as my successor and I know that his goodness, faith and enthusiasm will support the growth of this community and endear you to his care. “You will always be in my prayers.”