Fr Wellspring given wider tribunal role

BY JOHN MCLAURIN

FATHER Julian Wellspring has been appointed as the judicial vicar for the province of Sydney and the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

The new role entails coordinating the tribunal system for the 11 dioceses of NSW and the ACT.

He has also been appointed director of the tribunal office for the Sydney Archdiocese.

Fr Wellspring, who has worked in the tribunal ministry for 30 years, has been appointed initially for three years.

“First and foremost I am on loan to the dioceses of the province of Sydney, meaning that one day, I will return to the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn,” he said.

“The new role will involve supporting the staff of the various tribunal offices around the state of NSW.

“I will also be working closely with the staff in the justice ministry.”

Bishop Pat Power and Fr Wellspring’s father Kevin were present at a morning tea the Archdiocese held to farewell him.

Bishop Power explained how he had known the family over a long time, including when Fr Wellspring was a student at St Edmund’s College.

St Thomas More Parish, Campbell, Parish also held a farewell Mass and lunch.

Parishioner Bill Mason said Fr Wellspring’s leaving was inevitable given the nature of his ministry, but thanked him for leading the parish over the past nine years.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse also wished Fr Wellspring well in his new appointment saying it was a most significant one and a great tribute to his talents and expertise in the area of canon law.

“We congratulate Fr Julian and wish him God’s blessing for this new appointment with responsibilities,” he said.

“Our prayers go with Fr Julian in this new chapter of his living out the priesthood in the service of the Church.”

Although Fr Wellspring will have oversight of the local tribunal office in Canberra, he says he is “very confident to leave it in the very capable hands of our office manager Lisa McIntosh”.

Fr Wellspring took up the appointment on November 16 and will move to Sydney early this month.

St Thomas More Parish, Campbell, is now administered by the Central Canberra Parish.