On Sunday, the communities of St John’s, Cumnock; St Thomas’, Muirkirk; and Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Auchinleck celebrated with Fr Philip Kitchen as he retired as Parish Priest. The entire Diocesan community joins with the parish communities in which Fr Philip has ministered in offering our prayers and best wishes to him as he retires, having turned 75 in March. For his retirement Masses, he was joined by Deacon Robert Mackie who recently retired, and Bishop Frank.
Fr Philip was ordained on 3rd July 2008 in St Michael’s, Kilmarnock, and began his priestly ministry as Assistant Priest in St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock from 2008 – 2010. He has subsequently ministered as Parish Priest of:
– Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s, Maybole from 2010 to 2012
– St Ann’s, Mossblown from 2010 to 2016
– St Quivox, Prestwick from 2012 to 2016
– St John’s, Cumnock from 2016 to 2026
– St Thomas the Apostle, Muirkirk from 2016 to 2026
– Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Auchinleck from 2016 to 2026.
Photos from Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Auchinleck and St John’s, Cumnock of the celebrations marking Fr Philip’s retirement.