We have been so very blessed over the past 7 years to have Fr Duane as a part of our school community here at St John’s. Fr Duane was appointed to the St Michael’s parish as his first priestly appointment and now he has been appointed by the Bishop as Administrator of the West Wollongong Parish. Fr Duane will take up this appointment on 1 March 2019.

Fr Duane has enriched our community and each of our lives in so many ways. From his insightful homilies, to his engagement of our Religious Education program, he has deepened our knowledge of God. He has been a leader in mission, ministry and service in so many areas. He has worked with our social justice groups, including Vinnies and PAX, he has introduced the Youth Alpha program, attended year group and twilight retreats, joined with us on Youth Ministry Team days to name a few. Fr Duane has joined students in the playground for a chat and even shared his guitar playing skills on stage at showcase events. Yes we have been very blessed. We will miss him dearly however he leaves us as a richer community for having given so much of himself to us. We do wish him the best in his new ministry at West Wollongong and hope that he does get the chance to come and visit us sometimes.