The Diocese of Clogher mourns the sudden death of Fr John Halton, retired Parish Priest of Tempo (Pobal), Co Fermanagh. Ordained a priest in 1971, Fr Halton gave fifty-five years of generous service to the people of the various parishes in which he served, and to many others also.
A native of Moynalty, on the Meath-Cavan border, Fr Halton, following completion of his studies at St Patrick’s College Maynooth, was ordained in 1971. Following his ordination he was appointed CC in the Cathedral parish of Monaghan & Rackwallace. A year later he transferred to Castleblayney where he served until 1976 when he was appointed to the south-Monaghan parish of Magheracloone. In 1983 he moved to the parish of Lisnaskea & Maguiresbridge (Aghalurcher) where he served until 1994 when he was appointed to the north-Monaghan parish of Tydavnet. In 1998 he moved to Fintona in Co Tyrone and served there until his appointment as Parish Priest of Tempo (Pobal) on 1 September 2002. He was PP in Tempo until his retirement in 2020.
Commenting on Fr Halton’s death, the Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy said: ‘Once again the priests and people of the Diocese of Clogher mourn the sudden passing of a priest who has given great service to people. Fr John Halton was a Meath man through and through but he always met people where they were and ministered Christ’s mercy and peace to them in their joys and sorrows, their fears and their hopes. In addition to parish duties in so many parishes across the diocese, he also found time to support those with special needs, particularly through the Faith and Light Movement. He also served as Vocations Director for a time.
‘I sincerely sympathise with Fr John’s sister Betty, his brother Charlie, his sisters-in-law Nancy and Philomena, his brother-in-law Jim, nieces and nephews and wider family circle on their loss and with all my brother priests and deacons in the Diocese of Clogher. May Christ, the eternal Priest, bring Fr John to the fullness of light, happiness and peace in the kingdom of heaven.’
Funeral Arrangments:
On Tuesday 29th September Fr John will repose at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tempo from 10am. Family members and parishioners will be present throughout the day, Vigil Prayers at 7pm and Church will close at 10pm.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tempo, on Wednesday 30th September at 12noon, following which the Funeral Cortege will travel to St Mary’s Cemetery, Moynalty, Co Meath for the burial to arrive for approximately 4pm.
Fr. John’s Funeral Mass can be viewed live via Parish webcam at:
http://www.pobalparish.com/webcam.html
Ends.
