Scottish Catholic Observer

Catholics throughout Scotland are praying for the soul of a priest who died after over 60 years of service to the Church.

Mgr Jack Sheridan, who died aged 89, had celebrated the diamond jubilee of his ordination in 2016 alongside four of his brother priests.

The retired priest had served in churches such as St Paul’s in Whiteinch, which officially broke the sad news that their former parish priest had died.

Those who knew the priest sent in messages of support to the parish’s Facebook page.

BBC documentary

One woman remembered him for being a scout leader and for his connection to the Clydebank Blitz which he survived aged just 11 years old.

Mgr Sheridan (pictured above with his siblings) had featured in a 2011 BBC documentary about the bombings, where he recalled the horrors he and so many families went through.

In the parish announcement, a spokesperson for St Paul’s said: “We have been informed of the death of Mgr Sheridan, previously parish priest of St Paul’s. May he rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Catholics in Aberdeen Diocese celebrated the life of a much-loved priest this week at the Requiem Mass for Mgr Robert McDonald.

Aberdeen stalwart

Mourners came to pay tribute to the late priest, who died on Thursday March 15, as they gathered for his funeral Mass on the Feast of the Annunciation.

Mgr McDonald’s remains were received into the chapel at Pluscarden Abbey on Sunday March 24 at 4pm, with his funeral Mass taking place on Monday March 25 at 12pm.

The congregation was led by Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen Diocese, the principal celebrant and homilist, along with a number of other concelebrating priests.

After the Mass, Mgr McDonald’s mortal remains were laid to rest in Dufftown Cemetery, with refreshments provided at Pluscarden Abbey afterwards.