Letter from the Bishop – New Appointments

12th June 2020


To:  The Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay Faithful,

I wish to inform you that I have decided to make the following appointments in the diocese effective 1st September, 2020.

  • Fr. Alando Williams will replace Msgr. Michael Stewart at the Cathedral of the Assumption Parish, Kingstown.
  • Fr. Mark de Silva will replace Fr. Alando Williams at St. Michael’s Parish, Bequia.
  • Fr. Richard Paynter will replace Fr. Mark de Silva at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Parish, Layou.
  • Msgr. Michael Stewart will replace Fr. Richard Paynter at St. John’s Parish, Mesopotamia.

On the 6th August, 2020 I will ordain to the Holy Priesthood Reverend Collin Jackson and Brother Peter Emmanuel to the Diaconate.  Both Rev. Jackson and Brother Emmanuel will be appointed to St. John’s Parish and will continue their work in Education.

The new team at St. John’s under the guidance of Msgr. Mike will establish a house of discernment for vocations to the priesthood.

I am also pleased to inform you that the Missionaries of the Poor will take up ministry in our Diocese from September, 2020.  They will be attached to the Cathedral parish and will be responsible for the pastoral care of the poor, needy and indigent, the clients of the soup kitchen and the night shelter.

I wish to thank all the priests who have served in the various parishes and I ask you to pray for them in their new appointments.

With every good wish,

Yours in Christ,

+ Gerard County,
Bishop of Kingstown