For 28 years Monsignor Patrick Joseph Faherty (Fr Pat) has been serving as the parish priest of St Michael's Nowra.
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On August 30 he officially retired from the position, but it won't completely end his work with the parish.
"I don't have any particular plans for retirement, although I will still be assisting where I'm needed locally in the parish," Msgr Faherty said.
"It will take me a bit of time to work out a routine I think... some aspects will be hard to let go of."
Msgr Patrick Joseph Faherty was born in Moycullen, County Galway, Ireland. He completed his seminary studies at All Hallows College, Dublin, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 19, 1966.
His first appointment was with the Diocese of Wollongong, on November 25 1966 to the multi-cultural parish of St Patrick's, Port Kembla.
In 1970, he served as the assistant priest at St Michael's Nowra with the late Monsignore John Purcell, who was parish priest in Nowra for 36 years.
After stints in Wollongong and Albion Park-Oak Flats, when Monsignor Purcell retired in August 1992, Fr Pat was appointed parish priest of St Michael's Parish Nowra.
Through his two stints at St Michael's, Msgr Faherty has got to know four generations of families.
The parish is large: there are six centres, it supplies scripture teachers to 22 government schools, has eight aged care facilities as well as hospitals.
A significant part of Msgr Faherty's work has been visiting the ill.
"I've conducted a lot of funerals, spent a lot of time in hospitals and palliative care - I just see extraordinary acts of courageous patience," he said.
"I feel like I've been there at the right time for people in terms of their spiritual need."
He is particularly grateful to those who have given their whole lifetime to the church, often serving behind the scenes.
Through his 28 years as parish priest Msgr Faherty has witnessed the church community change.
While demographics of churchgoers have grown older, he has noticed "a nucleus of younger parents" who are interested in instilling religious values in their children.
"Although the churchgoing side of religion had declined, I see lots of indications people are searching for values and something more."
As he retires, Msgr Faherty hopes the parish will continue to work for the aged, sick and the retired.
He wants the community and church to be "genuinely hospitable" towards visitors.
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Stuart Thomson
Journalist at the South Coast Register.
Journalist at the South Coast Register.
