Father Simon sayshe will shortly be leaving Levenmouth

Father Simon Hughes (picture by Mark Rodgers)

He is joining a pastoral team at St Peter’s in Livingston at the end of this month.

Father Simon (57) came to Levenmouth to replace Father Joe Portelli, who left in 2014 to return to his native Malta.

“I have loved working with and for the parishioners of St Agatha’s and St Giles,” said Father Simon (pictured).

“I leave with very positive memories of everyone here, of working in St Agatha’s Primary and St Andrew’s High School in Kirkcaldy.”

He added: “A major renovation work on the parish property has been undertaken and the Parish Hall is finally (after many years) being refurbished.

“It will be a real asset to the parish community, as St Agatha’s reaches out to those in need of support in the community.

“I have engaged with clergy of other Christian church communities in Levenmouth and been part of various ecumenical ventures in the area.”

By the end of this year, he said, there will have been five weddings at St Agatha’s – the most since 1993.

“This year, four adults were baptised and welcomed into the Roman Catholic Church – something that has not happened in a long time,” he added.

Father Simon was ordained 21 years ago and previously served in Broxburn, Falkirk, Stirling and Tranent. His replacement, Father Paul Lee, is due to arrive in early September.