The service will begin at 10.30am in St Agnes’ Church, 47 Hay Street, Port Macquarie.

Attendees will be seated from 9.30am.

A large attendance is expected, and in the event of the church being at maximum capacity, there are plans for seating outside the church where a live broadcast of the Mass can be viewed.

The service will also be streamed via the internet and Facebook Live.

To view, go to the parish’s website on Friday.

The Mass will conclude around noon with a private burial to follow.

After Mass, refreshments will be available on the church grounds for those attending to share their memories of Father Donnelly.

Hay Street will be closed to the general traffic between Hayward St to William Street from 6am on the day.

Restricted access to Hay Street, including drop off/pick up for those with mobility issues, is available only via Hayward and Gordon Street.

Traffic wardens will be in place to direct traffic to parking areas.

It is recommended that people, if able, seek parking away from the St Agnes’ Parish precinct and walk to the service.

Hay Street is expected to re-open to traffic by mid-afternoon.

Father Donnelly passed away on January 23 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney.

He was 91.

Father D, as he was affectionately known, was Parish Priest at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, Port Macquarie from 1970 until his retirement in 2018.

Father D’s vision and guiding influence saw the parish grow into a leading aged care, disability services and educational provider in the Mid-North Coast. 

He was renowned for his entrepreneurial and altruistic spirit focused on helping those in need, effectively touching the lives of thousands from the youngest to the oldest residents of the area.

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