SPECIAL REPORT: Mgr Tim Corcoran steps down but hopes to serve wherever he is needed
Mgr Corcoran said that in all his time as a priest, parish life and living among a community of people has been something very special to him. Photo: The Record.
By Josh Low
After celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood in June last year, Monsignor Tim Corcoran has last week officially stepped down as Parish Priest of Thornlie and retired from an administrative role in the Archdiocese of Perth.
All his years in the priesthood has seen him hold various appointments across the Archdiocese, as Assistant Parish Priest at St Mary’s Cathedral, Leederville, Kalgoorlie and Mirrabooka Parish, and Parish Priest in Wongan Hills, Kalgoorlie, Whitford and Thornlie.
He was also rector at St Charles Seminary from 1997 to 2005, an appointment where he provided support and guidance for seminarians.
Mgr Corcoran said that in all his time as a priest, parish life and living among a community of people has been something very special to him.
“I think parish life was where I was able to gain the most from and always received support from God working through people in the parish.
“Community is something I found to be very special. I was blessed to be part of the joys and sorrows, for baptisms or marriages, family visits and seeing them grow through the years.
“It has been a marvellous life - not without its ups and downs of course, but a very fulfilling one as it is when you work for God.
Mgr Corcoran at the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. Photo: The Record.
Mgr Corcoran added that the priesthood now is very different to when he was first ordained, but said service remains at the core of the vocation.
“I was born and raised in Ireland into a Catholic family, with our whole neighbourhood being Catholic, so it was very different to the present.
“In my day, all young men probably thought of the priesthood at some stage and living the Catholic faith was part of normal family and community life,” he said.
“It’s more difficult in the present climate in society so I have a great admiration for young men entering the priesthood.
“For any young man discerning his vocation they have to remember that the priesthood is about being of service to the community; it’s a lifetime of service.”
His appointments included positions as Assistant Parish Priest at St Mary’s Cathedral, Leederville, Kalgoorlie and Mirrabooka Parish and Parish Priest in Wongan Hills, Kalgoorlie, Whitford and Thornlie, as well as rector of St Charles’ Seminary. Photo: Supplied.
Mgr Corcoran said that while his heath remains reasonable, he hopes to continue his service wherever he is able, by helping to supply or fill in at parishes in need.
“That’s what I like about Embleton Parish. Where I’m situated is right beside the Church so I’ve been able to somewhat be a part of parish life and community, continuing this life of service which is still going strong.
“As I said while at Thornlie Parish, I have retired as a Parish Priest and from an administrative role but one doesn’t ever retire from being a priest.”