The following is a statement from the Provincial, Fr Martin Coyle:

"On the 15th February I met with Bishop Toal, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Motherwell to inform him of my decision, with the consent of the Provincial Council, to ask the Diocese of Motherwell to take back responsibility for St Benedict’s Parish and St Clare’s Parish, Easterhouse in the summer of 2015. At that time the Salesians will complete our ministry and move from Easterhouse.

This is not a decision which has been easily made since the Salesian Community has been in Easterhouse since 1988 and all the Salesians who have lived and worked there have been affectionately supported by the people of St Benedict’s and St Clare’s. I can appreciate that any time of transition and change will cause anxiety as the way ahead may be unclear and uncertain.  

I ask for your understanding as to why this decision has had to be made and I promise you the prayers and support of the Salesian Province during this time of transition and preparing for change.

As part of the discernment process and following this decision, we will explore how best we can serve the needs of the church in Scotland and the needs of young people in the future through a new ministry if the opportunity is available.

I ask you to pray for Brian, Jim and Roman, the FMA community, and the parish communities in Easterhouse at this time.

Let us journey forward in faith and confidence."