Leaving the familiar and loved fertile black soil of the Moree Plains region to retire to the centre of the New England Armidale, is a man for the people - Father Paul McCabe.
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The parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s Parish Moree is a man who is not only deeply respected and admired by his own parishioners, but in fact the wider community.
A Glen Innes boy originally, Father Paul’s ministry has supported and inspired communities of parishioners and young men studying for the priesthood for 51 years.
An early sign of great things to come was signalled by the extraordinary ordination to the priesthood of Father Paul’s graduating seminary class, conferred by Pope Paul VI in 1966.
This was the first time a pope had ordained anyone to the priesthood, since the reformation.
Over his eighteen years of ministry in Moree, 1973 to 1976 and November 2002 to February 2017, in an equally dedicated, influential and inspiring manner, Paul McCabe established firm relationships with a diverse range of people.
This has naturally translated to continuing his ministry with another generation, the younger people; the children and grandchildren of those in his parish.
In conversation about anything to do with religion - baptism, marriage, funeral and everything in between – it was not uncommon for those from other faith groups to divert the conversation to focus on ‘that bloke you Catholics have’ and the many positive qualities Father Paul exudes.
With a manner that is relational, understanding, compassionate and non-judgemental, Paul McCabe is well recognised in the local and wider community as a man who truly understands, works with and supports people, in every situation.
It is not only the people of Moree, Mungindi, North Star, Rowena, Bellata, Boomi, Garah, Mallawa, Bullarah and Pallamallawa who have been fortunate to have shared time with Father Paul McCabe.
East Tamworth, Inverell, Walgett and Guyra have each experienced the uniqueness of such inspiring ministry.
Father Paul McCabe's dedicated work has been recognised by his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood celebrations in January 2016, a NAIDOC Week award in 2014 and, most recently, Moree’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year. It would be true to say that there are possibly other recognition awards that have not hit the headlines because humility does not permit it.
Highly regarded by his fellow priests and organisations across the nation, Paul McCabe is no stranger at conferences as a speaker, a contributor to journals and blogs, an advisor, and, closer to home, in the team of Armidale Diocesan Priests, where he holds the position of Vicar for the Western Deanery of Priests.
Within his communities, it is often said that a man so accomplished and connected to people could hold significant roles in the Catholic Church. It is true to say that the most influential and important work of Father Paul McCabe has been undertaken and achieved at the grass-roots level, ministering to his people, at their point of need.
As of Sunday, Father Paul celebrates his final mass as parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s Parish, followed by a morning tea with his many friends.
There will be no more regular driving around the countryside, dodging every kangaroo on dusty straight stretches of roads.
While Father Paul will always be working for God, his responsibilities as retired priest will be reduced, allowing him to make time for personal interests, family and of course, some further focus on golf!
As a retired priest who will take on relieving duties, we expect Father Paul to pop up in Moree and know that at times he will return, just to say hello.
Retirement will become a celebration of the wonderful dedicated life, to the work of God, by Father Paul McCabe.
- Written by St Philomena’s principal Karen Jagers
