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for grades one through three at the St. Rose campus and grades tour through six and kindergarten at Our Lady of the Gull’s site. It was not until 1982 that a decision was made to close the St. Rose school and consolidate operations under one roof. At that time, all classes met at the present Bay Catholic Elementary and were taught as they are at present by lay faculty.
Today, Monsignor Johnson, now retired, and Father John O’Brien, also retired, continue to give generously and graciously of their services to the parish. Both have celebrated their golden jubilees at Our Lady of the Gulf.
Father Morgan Kavanagh came to this country with Father Francis Farrell in 1955. He served as chaplain with the Veterans Administration before coming to Our Lady of the Gult as pastor trom June 1, 1978 to October 19, 1979. He returned to service with the Veterans Administration. Now retired, Father Kavanagh resides in Carlow, Ireland.
Father Francis Farrell attended St. Patrick’s Seminary in Carlow and was ordained there in June, 1955. His first assignment in Mississippi was as assistant at St. Richard’s in Jackson. Following that he served as assistant at St. Paul’s in Vicksburg and at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Natchez. His first pastorate was at Assumption Parish in Natchez in 1966, leaving there in 1967 to become pastor of Sacred Heart in North Biloxi.
As pastor of Our Lady of the Gulf from April 11, 1980 to April 12, 1985, Father Farrell served the parish well as spiritual leader. At the same time, he was active in diocesan affairs, serving on the Priests’ Personnel Board, the Finance Council and the Presbyterial Council, and he was appointed and reappointed Dean of the West Coast Deanery.
Father Farrell’s assignment on leaving Our Lady of the Gulf was to Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi where he has remained. Father Farrell became Monsignor Farrell on July 9,1989 when Bishop Howze
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invested him having received papal documentation for the honor. Today Monsignor Farrell is Chairman of the Diocesan Building and Real Estate Committee.
Monsignor James McGough became pastor of Our Lady of the Gulf on April 12, 1985. Born July 24, 1933, in County Limerick, Ireland, he studied at St. Bernard Seminary in Cullman, Alabama and was ordained by Bishop Gerow on May 25, 1957 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Natchez. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at Nativity Church in Biloxi. Later assignments included pastor at Sacred Heart in Canton, Sacred Heart in Hattiesburg and St. Paul’s in Pass Christian.
A brilliant scholar, inspiring speaker and great spiritual leader, Monsignor McGough was highly regarded by his congregation. He was particularly interested in Our Lady Academy and had hoped to expand facilities there. Transferred from Our Lady of the Gulf on February 5, 1988, he became pastor of St. Charles Borromeo in Picayune.
Throughout his priesthood, Monsignor McGough has been active in diocesan affairs. He was Chancellor in 1974, has been Vicar General, has served on the Diocesan Building and Real Estate Committee and was appointed judge on the Presbyterial Council.
Monsignor McGough is now the beloved pastor of St. James Church in Gulfport.
Father Peter Mockler, affectionately known as Father Pete, came to Our Lady of the Gulf on February 5, 1988, having been pastor of St. Ann at Gulfport from 1980 to 1988. Previous assignments were as associate pastor at St. John in Gulfport and as associate at Sacred Heart in Pascagoula.
Born in County Galway, November 4, 1948, Father Pete attended Killyan National School and Summerhill College, Sligo. His seminary training was at St. Patrick’s College, Carlow where he was
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