In June 1976, Bishop Toohey died and was replaced by Bishop Leo Clarke. On 14 November 1976, Ryan wrote to the newly installed bishop saying that he would return to Maitland in early December. Clarke replied, appointing Ryan assistant priest of Newcastle and asking him to begin on 18 December. Both Cotter and Clarke assumed, wrongly, that Ryan was cured. As such, Ryan was not subject to any restrictions preventing him from interacting with children.
