ASSOCIATE Pastor Father James O’Donoghue, who has ministered to the Ipswich Catholic community for the last 12 months, has now been assigned to minister at an aged care facility at Carseldine.

Father James has been a familiar and friendly face within the parish which takes in St Brigid’s Rosewood, St Boniface Marburg and churches in the Ipswich area.

On Sunday he moved to Carseldine.

Father James was ordained as a priest in 1993 after studying for seven years at the Pius Twelfth Provincial Seminary in Brisbane.

His first placement was at Sacred Heart, Booval.

He has worked as a priest in churches and in hospitals at places such as the Gold Coast, Bribie Island, Caboolture and throughout Ipswich and Brisbane.

He describes his time at St Brigids in Rosewood as “a warming time” where he has experienced the country atmosphere and has worked twith many families through both the good times and times of sorrow.

“I have really enjoyed my time with the Ipswich Catholic community and have made many friendships along the way and to be honest I will be sad to leave,” he said.

“During my time in Rosewood I have worked with other ministers and priests from the other churches.

“Local families have welcomed me into their lives to guide and support them on many levels both personally and spiritually.

“There have been some challenging times due to Covid restrictions where I was challenged to learn the way of technology to continue to support families.

“We got through it together.

“My next placement will be in Carseldine at an aged care facility where I will be helping the elderly and assisting families.”

Outside the ministry, Father James said he enjoys the serenity of bushwalks and has walked the trails of the Scenic Rim.

“I want to thank all of the families within the community for their welcoming hearts and their friendships, it has been great sharing face time with you all and I will miss you.”