Diocesan Clergy Obituaries

Father Neil McLaughlin Born 12 August 1933 Ordained Priest 22 June 1958 Died 2 June 2019

Neil was born in 1933 and grew up on a hill farm near the-small town of Matin at the top of the lnishowen peninsula in Donegal.

He died on 2nd June 2019, in a care home, just a few miles away in Clonmany, which looks out on the Four Fingers Bay and the famous Ballyliffin Golf Course.

As a young man he loved farming, but he wanted to be a priest, so he left the farm to study at Saint Columb’s College in Derry, then another six years at All Hallows Seminary in Dublin. He was ordained at All Hallows on 22nd June 1958 and the following day made the long trip back to his home parish in Malin. There he celebrated his First Mass with family, friends and neighbours, it was a wonderful occasion and the celebrations lasted for many days. (Some say weeks).

His first appointment as priest was at the Cathedral at Nottingham, where he worked for six years with Canon Thornhill who gave him great support in his ministry especially in the pastoral care of the many young Irish people who flocked to Nottingham during those years. Someone who knew him then, when asked about memories of him said “I remember when we organizised social events and dancers, we never had to worry about a bouncer while Father Neil was around”.

After a short time as a curate at Saint Hugh’s Lincoln he was appointed Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s Boston in Lincolnshire, the town is famous for The Stump (an Anglican Church) and for the rich agricultural farm land that surrounds it, not a bit like “The Hilts of Donegal” but he was happy there for seven years and involved himself in building up a community where Catholic education and Catholic schools thrived under his leadership.

In 1972 he was called back to Nottingham to serve at Saint Augustine’s, Woodborough Road and in 1981 he was sent to Saint Joseph’s, Derby with instructions to “relocate”, which meant setting up a new church, presbytery and community centre on top of the notoriously steep hill on Burton Road. This hill was higher and more difficult to negotiate than anything he had experienced in Nottingham, Boston or lnishowen and it was on this hill, one winter’s evening that he slipped on the ice and fell heavily, he was hospitatised and recovered from the fall, but afterwards his mobility was severely restricted and eventually in 2000 he had to leave Saint Joseph’s and retire to Donegal to the family home. He never really settled into retirement and with the years, his health deteriorated, he was fortunate to have Pat, his house keeper and his cousin Danny McDaid who looked after him with great care.

He missed the people he served in the various parishes and he missed his friends among the clergy. We visited him as much as possible, he was a great host and enjoyed catching up on the diocesan affairs and the clergy golf. June 2018 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his ordination his cousin Danny organized a celebration to mark the occasion, Danny arranged for him to be brought from the Nursing Home back to the family home, which was now empty, in the evening we concelebrated Mass with him in the living room, for a large number of people who came. Fortunatefy, Danny had fixed a marque in the-garden because over 150 people gathered many of them were contemporaries of Father Neil, old neighbours, school friends, and people from the village. It was a very intimate occasion and he enjoyed every moment of it.

It was nearly midnight when we brought him back to the care home and his comment was “it was a great wake” showing that he never lost his sense of humour. He lived on for another year, but his health continued to deteriorate. He died on 2nd June 2019 and is buried in the family grave at Lagg Cemetery.

Unfortunately, we his friends among the clergy were not able to get to his funeral Mass, but we gathered a few weeks later and with the cooperation of Father John Trenchard we concelebrated Mass at Saint Joseph’s Derby. It was a very special event for his former parishioners and Father Greg Tobin, his former assistant preached the homily.

Neil was a priest of his time; he had many gifts which he used wisely and generously for the building up of the Church in our diocese especially our schools. He was strong and forthright but above all else he was a man of true integrity.

Ar dheis lamh Dé go raibh a anam dilis

Monsignor Joseph Phelan Born 24 May 1939 Ordained Priest 2 June 1963 Died 10 January 2020

By Dr Christopher Reynolds KSG

Joseph Francis Phelan was born in Formby, Merseyside in 1939. He studied for the priesthood at St Kieran’s College Kilkenny and was ordained a priest on the 2nd June 1963 for the Diocese of Nottingham. Father Phelan’s first appointment was as assistant priest at St Peter’s Leicester where he stayed until 1968. The parish of The Annunciation, Chesterfield in 1968 as assistant priest was Father Phelan’s next appointment, on his way to a four-year stay at St Barnabas Cathedral in 1971.

In 1974 Bishop Ellis asked Father Phelan to take on the role of assistant secretary to the Diocesan Schools’ Commission and in 1982 became its secretary. This was in addition to his work at St Paul’s in Nottingham where he was appointed parish priest in 1975. This parish included responsibility for the Queen’s Medical Centre, which opened a few years later.

In 1977 Father Phelan was given the role of Diocesan Chaplain to the Catholic Nurses Guild, continuing with this important pastoral work until 1999.

As a mark of the great value placed on Father Phelan’s work in the Schools’ Commission, in 1983 Bishop McGuinness appointed him as a member of the Cathedral Chapter. The Vatican recognised his dedication in May 1987, writing to Bishop McGuinness expressing ‘appreciation and admiration’ for the work of the Diocesan Schools’ Commission. Challenges at this time included falling numbers, the demands of local authorities, protecting sixth forms and encouraging those with the right qualities to enter into teaching in our Catholic Schools.

In 1990, the Holy Father kindly granted the petition of Bishop McGuinness to appoint Canon Phelan as a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title Monsignor, in recognition of his outstanding work in leading the Diocesan Schools’ Commission successfully in very challenging times.

Monsignor Phelan did not reduce his priestly ministry in parishes however, despite the enormous demands of the Schools’ Commission. In 1993 he left St Paul’s to become parish priest of Corpus Christi in Clifton where he remained until 2002. This was the year that he finished in his role as Diocesan Schools’ Commissioner after 28 years, and moved to his new parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ashby de la Zouch and St Charles Borromeo, Measham.

Also in 2002 Bishop Malcolm petitioned the Vatican successfully to appoint Monsignor Phelan as a Prelate of Honour in recognition of the 28 years of service as Diocesan Schools’ Commissioner.

Monsignor Phelan retired from active ministry in 2013. He has not enjoyed good health during his retirement and has spent the last six years at the Presentation Sisters Care Centre, Matlock. He died there on 10th January, 2020.

Our diocese owes Monsignor Phelan a great

debt of gratitude. He has guided the commission in its work of ensuring the Catholic education of our young people through very difficult times with great commitment, wisdom and service, whilst maintaining his parish visiting and dedication to pastoral needs. His witness to Christ has been strong amongst us, and an example to all, for which we are most grateful.

May he rest in peace. Amen.

Canon Colin Taylor Born 11 July 1945 Ordained Priest 24 June 1989 Died 19 February 2020

Canon Colin died peacefully on Wednesday, 19th February 2020. Canon Colin was 74 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for nearly thirty one years.

Colin was born in Birmingham on 11th July 1945 into an Anglican family. He attended teacher training college in Chelsea and spent many years teaching. In September 1970, he joined the teaching staff at William Sharp Comprehensive School, Bilborough in Nottingham where he taught mathematics for 15 years. He was received into the Catholic Church on 8th April 1981. He was then accepted as a Church Student for the diocese in 1985 and studied at the Beda College in Rome. On 24th June 1989 he was ordained to the priesthood in St Hugh of Lincoln Church, Lincoln.

Fr Colin’s first appointment as Assistant Priest was at St Barnabas Cathedral from 1989 until 1993. He was also appointed Assistant Secretary of the Diocesan Schools Commission when it was based at Willson House. In 1993, Fr Colin was then appointed Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception, Oadby where he stayed until 1997. In 1997 he was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady and St Thomas of Hereford, Ilkeston and in 2005 he was also appointed Parish Priest of St John’s, Stapleford. In 2009, Fr Colin was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lincoln, Lincoln and in December 2009, he was appointed Canon of St Barnabas Cathedral Chapter. Canon Colin was appointed Dean of Lincoln Deanery in 2011 and re-appointed as Dean in 2017. He remained at Our Lady of Lincoln parish until his retirement in 2019 due to ill health

From the funeral homily preached by Monsignor Brian Dazeley, 6th March 2020

On the occasion of his silver Jubilee Fr Colin wrote these words for the Diocesan Year book. ‘ To find what I think is at the heart of Priesthood see the second letter of St Paul to the Corinthians ch 4 v 5 ‘For we do not proclaim ourselves, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus sake.’ When we speak of Fr Colin it is to praise him although there is much we could say but to speak in the spirit of the words of Jesus. ‘Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.’

Colin’s life of faith began when his mother and father took him to be christened in the Anglican Church. In those early years through family life, Sunday school, confirmation singing in the church choir support of the Anglican Church his faith was nurtured and matured. It is for his family especially we thank God today for giving us a priest who was to serve the people of this Diocese for more than 30 years.

At 21 he felt the call to become a monk but decided to postpone any decision in order to give financial support to his mother and father. He qualified as a teacher and taught in various schools for 15 years. A visit to Walsingham kindled a deep devotion for Our Lady which stayed with him all his life. May we too have a love and devotion for Mary, the Mother of Jesus, mother of God, mother of the Church, Mother of us all.

He was received into the Catholic Church and

later applied to be a candidate for the priesthood and was sent to the Pontifical Beda College in Rome for 4 years. We might wish today to pray for our seminaries, staff and students, and for vocations. Some of us are getting on a bit and a few replacements would be very welcome. At the Beda he met Fr Duncan Adamson and they became friends for life. Jesus said ‘You are my friends because I have revealed to you everything I have learnt from my father’. Friends are a precious gift from God and today we might wish to thank God for the friends who share our lives, travelling with us on our way to the Father.

Ordained at St Hugh’s here in Lincoln he served in a number of parishes finally returning here to this parish of Our Lady of Lincoln. So many memories which we might describe as doors to the Sacred. Our precious memories seem to draw us closer to God to see the loving presence off God in our own and in one another’s lives.Through his pastoral care Fr Colin brought the love of God to his people and by your love care and prayer you brought the love of God to him. We need one another if we are to be faithful disciples of Christ. Priests certainly, earthenware vessels that we are, would find it difficult to carry on our ministry without the love, care and prayer of those Our Lord has called us to serve.

In these last months Colin shared deeply in the suffering of Christ. He needed and received the care of the NHS and the staff at the Willow Ct Care Home. For both we thank God today.

When he was unable to receive Holy Communion there was opportunity for adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. On one occasion as we sat there in silence Colin looked at the host with an intensity I have rarely seen before. I wondered what was going through his mind and heart and what was going through the mind and heart of Jesus as they gazed at each other. Then I wondered what do I see, what do we see, when we look at the host at the consecration or when we hear the words ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ before Holy Communion and then reflecting that whenever we look into the face, into the eyes of another person we look into the face and the eyes of Christ.

Let me end with a short prayer with which some of you may be familiar. My brother in faith, I entrust you to God who created you. May Christ the Son of God who died for you take you into His kingdom. May Christ the Good Shepherd give you a place within His flock. May He forgive your sins and keep you among his people. May you see your redeemer face to face and enjoy the sight of God forever.

Thank you Lord for a brother, an uncle, a friend and a gentle priest.

Dear Colin may you rest in peace until we all meet in Christ and are with you forever. Amen.

Father Eamonn O’Hara Born 7 November 1938 Ordained Priest 16 June 1963 Died 8 March 2020

By Father John Joe Maloney

Eamonn went to his rest on 8 March 2020 at Nazareth House Nursing Home in Sligo, where he spent the last two years of his life. He was looked after by the Sisters and staff and visited regularly by his sister-in-law, Anne, and his nieces and nephews. He was born in Cloongoona, a few miles up the road. His father died when he was two years old. His mother worked hard raising Eamonn and his brother Jackie on her own. She sent them both to St Nathy’s College for their secondary education. They were both good athletes and Eamonn captained the College team that won the Irish Colleges Championship in 1957. The final, against St Colman’s, Newry, was played at Croagh Park Stadium.

Having completed secondary education it was decision time as to what he would do for the rest of his life. He felt called to the Priesthood and applied to All Hallows College, Dublin. The Vincentian Fathers, who originated in France in the Seventeenth Century, were in charge of educating the young men who went there to study for the Priesthood. The College was founded in 1850 to draw men who would bring the Gospel message to the English speaking countries of the world.

The Vincentian view of the Church was hierarchical but also had a clear sense of both the Priesthood of the Faithful and the universal call to holiness, themes which appear in the Documents of the Second Vatican Council and which are the theological basis for the present blossoming of lay ministry in the Church. Many scholars point at the clear similarities between the Vincentian thinking and the Documents of the Council in these areas, for example the Decree of the Ministry and Life of Priests.

Eamonn grew up with people who were close to God. The Family Rosary was recited every night in every house in his village. Everybody attended Sunday Mass. When the visionaries saw the apparition at Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock in 1879 – a few miles from where Eamonn lived – the people representing the press asked how they knew it was the Holy Family they saw. One elderly lady is remembered for saying, “Ara a gra, sure everybody around here knows the Holy Family” – and they did!

Fr Patrick Peyton, the Rosary Priests, grew up in the next Parish to Eamonn’s. From that background thousands of men and women went on to become Priests and religious. It was also a time of mass emigration to the English speaking countries and hence the call to help the immigrants. England and Nottingham Diocese were Eamonn’s destination. He was Ordained in 1963 and appointed to St Joseph’s in the City of Leicester. Arriving in England, with a population of 64 million - 4 million of whom attended Sunday worship, 2 million of those being Catholics - was a bit of a cultural shock. It was a bit like playing against the wind both halves! But he wasn’t alone as, having an outgoing personality, he soon made lots of friends.

Somebody said that a good leader is a person who can identify talent, tap the talent and facilitate their working in harmony. Eamonn was that kind of person. Captaining his team as a footballer he was well aware that being a good centre field player wasn’t much use without the assistance of wingers and forwards, not to mention defenders. He was a perfectionist still trying to captain the winning team. When Pope Francis said that it was pastors people needed not princes, he had people like Eamonn in mind.

The children referred to him as the Priest with the sweets. He loved and cared for the elderly and the housebound. He greatly appreciated the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and supported them in every way he could. He believed in and tried hard to cultivate the Ministry of the Laity. He invited lecturers from Dublin to lead courses he laid on in the Parish for their formation. Without being conscious of it he was always chipping away at the vision he brought with him from All Hallows. Since his arrival in Carlton in 1987 a multiplicity of improvements to church property took place under his watchful eye – church building dampproofed, new electrics, heating system, sound system, church interior completely decorated, new carpets, church bell restored, conversion of the old school into a Parish Centre, etc. One of his parishioners said: “The Parish has continued to move forward under his drive and leadership. He is a man of vision and determination with a tremendous faith in the ability, willingness and support of his parishioners; you couldn’t refuse him”.

At one of the meetings of the Bishop’s Council with Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, who was our Bishop then, we were asking him on one occasion

what it was like going around a Diocese of 100+ Parishes, what progress was being made, etc. His reply was: “Obviously it varies a great deal from Parish to Parish but the best Liturgy I have come across is in the Sacred Heart Parish, Carlton” – Eamonn’s Parish.

At his Requiem Mass our Diocese was represented by Fr. Joe Wheat, Vicar General, Frs. T McMahon, B O’Callaghan, T O’Sullivan, JJ Maloney, J O’Hanlon and M O’Donoghue, Sister Pius, Presentation Sisters, and Veronica Bollard and Evelyn Queally representing Sacred Heart Parish.

Eamonn is buried in the Church grounds in Tourlestrane, his home Parish in Sligo.

“He who walks the ways of Galilee is as powerful as ever to smite evil and love the sinner; and, as then He chose twelve to be with Him and sent them out to do His work, so now He is still seeking those who will bring men to Him and Him to men.” (W Barclay).

May Eamonn rest in peace.

Canon John Berry Born 18 February 1930 Ordained Priest 13 June 1954 Died 25 March 2020

Canon John died peacefully on 25 March 2020. He was 90 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for 66 years.

Canon John was born on 18 February 1930 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. He was educated at Ashley House and St Mary’s Schools, Worksop, the De La Salle College, Sheffield, Mark Cross, Sussex and trained for the priesthood at Oscott College, Birmingham, where he served as organ student for some six years. He was ordained to the priesthood on 13 June 1954 by Bishop Edward Ellis in St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham.

Fr John then spent four years at St Edmund’s and Downing College, Cambridge reading French, Latin and Music and graduated with an MA(Hons) degree and the organ diplomas of ARCO(CHM). From 1958 until 1966 he was a Schoolmaster at St Hugh’s College, Tollerton and in 1966 was appointed Assistant Priest at the Sacred Heart, Leicester.

In 1967 Fr John was appointed Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Brigg, where he ministered until 1974 when he was appointed Parish Priest of the Good Shepherd parish, Woodthorpe. In 1980, he was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Eastwood. Fr John had been involved with music in the diocese for 50 years, 30 of these years as Convenor of the Music Department of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. He was appointed Honorary Canon of the Diocese in 2003 in recognition of his years of priestly service in the Diocese, especially for his work with the Liturgical Commission. In 2006 he was appointed Dean of Nottingham West Deanery. Canon John celebrated his Diamond Jubilee to the priesthood on 13 June 2014.

Some reflections from Dr John Curran

Fr John had been an Organ Scholar and a linguist.

During the Year of the Organ (possibly 1997, but can’t reliably trace date but was to encourage folk to take it up) Fr John was interviewed by Radio 4. Not so far back as to be the Home Service. As he was about to conclude a full Nuptial Mass in France, the server asked him if he could play the recessional music. It turned out the organist had been ‘anticipating’ the post marriage feast and was adjudged to no longer best choice. The couple, opera musicians and of robust good humour saw the funny side and delayed their exit while Fr John nipped round the back to the organ loft to find the organist’s assistant with the pages ready. Fat pulled out of the fire.

The other story is that when appointed to Eastwood, home of a fine organ he asked a listener to stand outside each side of the church to see how loudly he could play in the evening without disturbing the neighbourhood.

Father Stephan Foster Born 14 August 1946 Ordained 24 April 1976 Died 12 April 2020

Father Stephan was the eldest child of Clarissa and Roy. He was brought up in Eakring near Ollerton with younger sister Julie and their brother Andrew. Being part of village life, they attended the village school. Roy started his own business as a Blacksmith and Agricultural Engineer and was also engaged in the making of wrought iron gates. Stephan started his working life helping his father in the business.

Stephan later decided to move to Bexley, Kent, living with his aunt and uncle whilst pursuing a career in H M Customs and Excise. After training, he obtained a job as a uniformed officer at Heathrow Airport. Each day, Stephan would give a lift to a young Irishman and noticed him making the sign of the cross as they passed a Catholic church.

Through this simple action, Stephan became curious about the Catholic faith and in 1968 was received into the Church at Houslow, Middlesex by Father Vincent Berry. Stephen later approached the Archdiocese of Westminster to study for the priesthood and began his studies at Osterley, Saint Edmund’s College, Ware and Allen Hall. Stephan later transferred to the Diocese of Nottingham where he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop James McGuinness on 24th April 1976 in Mother of God parish, Leicester..

Father Stephan’s first appointment as Assistant Priest was at Mother of God, Leicester from 1976 until 1978 when he was appointed Assistant Priest at Saint Phillip Neri, Mansfield. In 1980 he was appointed Assistant Priest at Saint Mary’s, Grimsby until 1986 when he was appointed Assistant Priest at Good Shepherd parish, Woodthorpe until 1989.

In 1989 Father Stephan was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace, Cotgrave with Saint Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth. A new church was built at Cotgrave but typically, rather than taking the credit, Stephan spoke about the dedication of the people in enthusiastically raising funds to support the project. From 1993 until 2005, Stephan was parish priest of Saint Paul’s, Nottingham and then at Saint Mary’s South Wigston and St John Bosco, Leicester and, at the age of 59, decided that this would see him through to retirement. When pressed to give an opinion of his favourite time and place he would respond that it was all good and that it was the people who made it so.

Stephan holidayed with Julie, her husband Clive and their children, Olivia and Daniel in the UK and abroad, also maintaining contact with and visiting Andrew in London. He bought a caravan near Matlock where he would spend his days off walking and cycling. He loved nature, simply being outdoors meditating and through contemplation developed a very grounded view of life. This also gave him inspiration for homilies which often started with creation and the continued presense of God in our lives.

Stephan never failed to see the good in people, enthusing about those he met in the parish whilst preparing for the sacraments. He particularly liked programmes for Holy Communion and Confirmation, giving him opportunities to listen to young people and learn about their lives. Similarly, he loved to celebrate Mass in the schools. He also liked to travel with the young on pilgrimages to Lourdes and Assisi. In all these interactions, Stephan was renowned for his sharp wit and sense of humour. One ministry he particularly enjoyed when at Wigston was his role as Chaplain to the Young Offenders Institution at Glen Parva. He loved the camaraderie and the banter with officers and young men, always exhorting them to believe in themselves, reminding them that they a future despite such difficult circumstances at the start of their adult lives. Never judgemental, he upheld that every sinner has a future just as every saint has a past. Stephan really missed this work when in 2016 it was announced that Glen Parva was to close.

Content to be a parish priest, Stephan never sought high office but when asked, he took on the role of dean in Nottingham West for many years and later in Leicester East for six years. In this role he encouraged priests and people to collaborate in ministry and to try new ideas, given the changing nature of the Church. He also cared deeply about the wellbeing of fellow priests.

Few priests have the opportunity to be a parent, instead fulfilling the role of spiritual father to all in the parish. Stephan did however, foster a young lad named Charlie when his mother became terminally ill and then provided a home for him whilst he studied for his A levels. Stephan was so proud that Charlie gained a place at the University of Sheffield and continued to welcome

him to the presbytery during vacations.

Sadly we know that from around 2016, aged 70 years, Stephan’s health deteriorated, but with an independent nature he proved difficult to get alongside or help. Following a diagnosis of Alzheimers, Stephan retired in 2018. Julie, with the help of Fran Cordes from the Diocese was pleased to find The Mercy Care Centre in Derby where Stephan settled into the routine. He could attend daily Mass in the adjacent Convent and when Father Joseph Keogh moved to a nearby apartment, Stephan had a fellow priest to share experiences with. Stephan did not lose his sense of humour but the nuns and carers were more than equal to his comments.

Physically well and able to walk around the grounds, it might have been hoped that Stephan could have enjoyed a longer retirement but on Holy Thursday Stephan was admitted to the Royal Derby Hospital with suspected Covid 19 and died on Easter Sunday, 12th April. To slip quietly out of this life might be what Stephan would have sought; similarly, a graveside funeral with just a few people present as Bishop Patrick officiated. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary’s South Wigston in due course.

We remember Stephan with great fondness. His life was marked out by his dedication to his priestly ministry, his ability to communicate on all levels, his generosity in caring for people in all circumstances, some instances known publicly but many more occasions known only to the individuals and families he helped along the way.

May he rest in peace. And may Julie and the family treasure loving memories.

Father Joseph McGovern Born 2 May 1928 Ordained 28 July 1957 Died 13 April 202

From the funeral homily for Father Joe, 1 May 2020, preached by Bishop Patrick

Fr Joe was born in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, into a family of fishmongers, one of six children. At the age of 18 he carried out his National Service, and at the age of 20 goes into the Insurance Industry before applying to be accepted to study for the priesthood which he does at St Sulpice Seminary in Paris. In 1957 he was ordained and began his ministry as an assistant priest for a short time first at St Barnabas Cathedral and then at Holy Trinity, Newark, before serving at St Bernadette’s, Scunthorpe, St Mary’s, Grimsby and Holy Cross, Hucknall. As Parish Priest he worked in Holy Spirit parish, Dronfield, St Teresa’s Warsop, Corpus Christi, Clifton and St Pius X, Narborough before retiring, through ill health, in 1998. It was in 1975 while Parish Priest in Warsop that Fr Joe got a new housekeeper, Vera Murphy, who was to go on to remain as his housekeeper throughout the rest of his active parish ministry and into retirement, almost 45 years of faithful and generous service that I would today, on behalf of the diocese, like to publically acknowledge and thank her for. I know from visiting Fr Joe in Coventry, where after Warsop, they both retired to in 2006, how appreciative he continued to be for all that Vera did to look after him. I’m grateful too for the generosity and support of Vera’s family, particularly her sons.

What isn’t so well known about Fr Joe is his 7 years working as a priest in Nigeria between 1968 and 1974, and I’m grateful to Tim Connery for providing me with this fascinating account of those years in a tough posting called Wukari, to which access was difficult and where the 2 principal local tribes were sworn enemies [this article is reproduced below]. Fr Joe took on this challenge with his customary selflessness, diplomacy and commitment. A favourite saying of his was, ‘I will try m’ best. His parish was the size of Wales, with many out-stations scattered miles into the bush and accessible only on foot. Tim describes Fr Joe leaving the Mission House

on a Monday morning, his old Datsun pick-up loaded with Mass equipment, gear for sleeping in local huts, other supplies, and often one or two passengers getting a free lift. The plan was to spend a week or ten days out in the bush saying Mass here and there and fulfilling all the other priestly roles, but often he would arrive back exhausted a little earlier, because the pick up had broken down or the road was impassable through flooding or broken bridges. Fr Joe, however, never complained but rather thought all this so worth- while because he could see the joy his visits brought to people deprived of Mass for so long. He established such a reputation as a wise and just man that all sorts of local disputes were brought to him for final arbitration. His quiet utterly modest manner won over many hearts and his legacy there in Wukari will always be remembered.

Fr Joe had asked that Fr Michael Eastwood preach at his Funeral Mass, and he will fulfil that promise at the Memorial Mass we will celebrate a little later in the year when we are able to gather again for Mass. I thought it appropriate however that, on this occasion, we hear a little of Fr Michael’s homily:

‘On an occasion like this, we have the opportunity to think about our faith, particularly to focus on areas of our faith that are so familiar to us. We have all seen a cross with the figure of Christ on it many times in our lives…A couple of years ago I was given a picture of the Cross drawn on a very delicate piece of paper. I treasure this picture because of the words written underneath the Cross, I DID THIS FOR YOU. I find these five words so moving because of what they are saying to us. Jesus didn’t die with a faceless mass of people in mind. He died with each one of us in mind – I did this for YOU. Before each of us was conceived in our mother’s womb, Jesus as the Son of God, knew, loved and died for us because He loves each one of us. That is THE point. Jesus would want us to remember all the pain and suffering surrounding his crucifixion and death, but he would want us to remember most of all His motive behind it all, the motive of personal love. If we focus on this fact frequently, it will surely prompt us to respond by leading our lives as Jesus wants us to lead them. Throughout his life Fr Joe tried to do his best and his last words to Vera who, when he had to go to hospital, was encouraging him to get well and back home soon, were these: ‘I’ll do my best.’ May I suggest that we remember Fr Joe’s words…and begin each day by giving genuine meaning to those words, ‘Lord, I will do my best TODAY. Please help me.’ If we live out those words each day, we can confidently look forward to being invited to enjoy the eternal life and happiness of our heavenly home, where we will be united with this Jesus of love, with Mary, our spiritual mother, with all the angels and saints, and reunited with those who have gone before us. I end by applying the words of this Hebrew proverb to Fr Joe, ‘say not in grief: he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was’.

Eternal rest grant unto him O lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. AMEN

By Dr Tim Connery KCHS

I must be one of the few people, I think, who will know anything of the wonderful contribution he made during his seven years spent in Nigeria up to 1974. I lived in the Mission house with him for several years.

Fr Joe was posted to a parish called Wukari by the then Bishop of Makurdi, Bishop Murray. The Biafran war was just coming to an end so things were extremely difficult all over the country. Wukari was a place where it had been almost impossible to establish a parish, despite the extraordinary efforts of a series of experienced and outstanding priests. In those days access to Wukari was difficult and for months at a time it was cut off by several rivers. Ferries across these rivers were unreliable and quite dangerous and it was not unusual for them to sink, taking with them passengers and goods. The principal local tribes, the Jukuns and the Tivs, had been enemies for many years and not long before Fr Joe arrived there had been ferocious conflicts resulting in deaths and terrible mistrust. Sadly, these problems have re-surfaced periodically over the years right up to the present day. Wukari had the reputation of being a notoriously tough posting.

Fr Joe took on this challenge with his customary selflessness, diplomacy and commitment – he would say: “I will try m’ best” and just get on with it. He quickly established a trusting relationship with the very powerful Jukun Chief, “the Aku”, regarded by his people as God but who was well disposed towards the Mission and keen to have a secondary school in his town. The Jukuns were predominantly Muslim but there were Christians amongst them, some of whom were Catholic. Many more of the Tivs, however, were Catholic and they tended to form the backbone of the

Parish, producing catechists and, before long priests, too. Fr Joe had to negotiate a very tricky tightrope of impartiality in view of the potentially volatile reactions to any perceived favouritism.

Obviously his main work was devoted to serving the Parish, which was approximately the size of Wales at that time, with scores of out-stations scattered miles into the bush, usually accessible only on foot, since roads and bridges were very basic and caused severe damage to any vehicle. I can remember Fr Joe leaving the Mission house on a Monday morning, his old Datsun pick-up loaded with the equipment needed for Mass, gear for sleeping in local huts, simple food and water, other supplies and often one or two passengers getting a free lift! The plan was usually to spend a week or ten days out in the bush, saying Mass and fulfilling all the other priestly tasks. But many was the time when he would return a few days earlier than expected, exhausted and worn out because the pick-up had broken down or the road was impassable through flooding, fallen trees or broken bridges. The physical toll on him was enormous and you could just see how he had lost weight. But he thought it was all worth it as he could see the joy that his visits brought to people who had been deprived of Mass for so long (reminder to those of us who complain of not being able to get to Mass during our lock-down!). His patience in the face of these frustrations was truly inspiring and, exasperated as he must have been, I never heard him complain or show selfpity even once.

Fr Joe saw the great advantages to be gained by having a secondary school in an area where there was none and was able to persuade the Bishop to support and fund this project. This had an electrifying effect on the town whose community began to realise they were being given respect at last. Fr Joe always gave his unstinting support to the school where he would say Mass on a very regular basis.

Before his arrival the Parish had had the right to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle taken away, because of some very serious infringement (I never knew quite what). However, Fr Joe brought stability to the Parish and before long this right was restored – the parishioners were overjoyed and engaged in huge celebrations!

He established such a reputation as a wise and just man that all sorts of disputes were brought to him for informal arbitration. He understood very well the problems that could arise, for example, from polygamy, and was always gentle in his words and deeds. He would never condemn people, even those who had treated him abominably, as they occasionally did. When he saw people in trouble, he would always do his best to help them. I personally benefited from his generosity so many times, whether it was his sharing food and the very sparse water supplies, lending me the money that we needed to keep the school going in a crisis, giving advice on all sorts of diplomatic issues and so on.

By the time he moved on to another easier Parish Fr Joe had had an enormous influence on life in Wukari. His quiet, utterly modest manner had won over the hearts of countless people and had made of Wukari a place of which the people could once more be proud.

He was, of course, very sad to learn of the

terrible events that have afflicted Wukari over the last few years, with the destruction of most of the out- stations, the killing of many of the parishioners and the expropriation of much of their land. But his legacy will always be remembered by those many lucky enough to have experienced the goodness and gentleness of this wonderful priest.

Shortly before he died he said to his great friend, Vera, “I will do m’best”. He always did, and it was a pretty good best, Fr Joe.

May he rest in peace.

Father Terence Fellows Born 9 March 1931 Ordained 26 February 1956 Died 26 September 2020

Fr Terry Fellows died peacefully on Saturday evening, 26th September 2020. Fr Terry was 89 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for sixty four years.

Fr Terry was born on 9th March 1931 in Burtonon-Trent, Staffordshire. He studied for the priesthood at the English College, Valladolid and St Mary’s, College, Oscott. He was ordained to the priesthood in St George’s Church, Derby on 26th February 1956.

Fr Terry’s first appointment as Assistant Priest was at St Augustine Apostle of England, Woodborough Road, Nottingham in 1956 until 1962. He was then appointed Assistant Priest of St Paul’s, Lenton Boulevard from 1962 until 1963. In 1963, Fr Terry was appointed Parish Priest of St Helen’s, Oldcotes, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, which is now part of the Diocese of Hallam. From 1966 until 1978, Fr Terry was Parish Priest of St John’s, Stapleford. He was then appointed Parish Priest of St Peter and St Paul, Earl Shilton and Our Lady and St Gregory, Market Bosworth. Fr Terry celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood on 26 February 2016 and retired in October 2016.

Father Michael Horrax Born 10 July 1924 Ordained 4 June 1955 Died 3 November 2020

Fr Michael died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 3 November 2020. Fr Michael was 96 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for sixty five years.

The Funeral Mass took place on Friday 20th November 2020 at 11.30am in St Alban’s Church, Chaddesden. Because of social distancing and restricted numbers, the Funeral Mass was by invitation only.

Fr Michael was born on 10 July 1924 in Sheffield. He studied for the priesthood at the English College, Lisbon in Portugal and was ordained on 4th June 1955 at the English College, Lisbon.

From 1955 until 1958, Fr Michael was resident at the Beda College in Rome. Later in 1958 he returned to the English College in Lisbon, Portugal to teach there until 1974. He then returned to the diocese and was appointed Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart, Loughborough from 1974 until 1976, and then was appointed Catholic Chaplain at Loughborough University from 1976 until 1980.

In 1980, Fr Michael was appointed Parish Priest of Holy Rosary, Stapenhill, Burton-onTrent, and in 1983 he was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Belper where he remained until his retirement in 1999. He celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood on 4th June 2015. In more recent years, he had returned to live in Belper.

Deacon Peter Brogan Born 3 November 1953 Ordained 5 October 1993 Died 26 January 2021

Taken from an article in Lincolnshire Live

A “great guy” and “someone who made people feel special” is how a church deacon in Lincoln is being remembered after his death at the age of 67.

The Reverend Deacon Peter Brogan conducted hundreds of baptisms, weddings and funeral during his time at St Hugh’s Roman Catholic

Church in Monks Road. The married dad-of-four and granddad of 10, affectionately known as ‘Pete the deac’, diedsuddenly at home in Heighington on January 26.

Daughter Berni O’Donnell, 41, told Lincolnshire Live: “Dad was a man of the people. He had an extraordinary gift of making people feel special and putting people at ease. “He had a cheeky and dry sense of humour. He was genuine, kind and loved by all. “The outpouring of love and support shown to his family has been phenomenal, which in itself shows the legacy he has left behind.”

Peter was born in Navenby on November 3, 1953 to Mavis and Danny Brogan. In 1960 he and his older brother John and their parents moved to Dale Street in Lincoln. Peter started St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School, then based in Friars lane, and later St Peter & St Paul’s RC Secondary School. The Brogan family were regular parishioners at St Hugh’s Catholic Church in Monks Road where Peter began his service to the church as an altar boy. He was a keen footballer throughout his school years and well into his 30s, playing and coaching for teams including Monks Abbey, Manvers Arms and SSPP Celtic. The avid Manchester United supporter loved to watch the mighty reds, as he called them, play.

He began an apprenticeship as an auto electrician at Hartford Motors and worked there for four years before joining the fire service in April 1974. He served as a firefighter for 24 years until he retired in 1998. In 1976 he met his future wife Sheila (Mary) Creane, whom he always said he had loved from the moment he saw her, and in October 1977 they married. They went on to have four children Bernadette, Stephen, 39, Timothy, 37, and Sarah, 33.

Daughter Berni, said that her dad continued to play an active role at St Hugh’s Church and was an integral part of both the Catholic Church and school communities throughout his life. “He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandad and father-in-law.” Berni added: “Dad was not afraid of dying. He said: ‘Why would you be afraid of going up to the Lord?’.”

Deacon Robin Pollard Ordained 27 Januaey 2001 Died 24 February 2021

Father James Earley Born 14 November 1947 Ordained 15 July 1995 Died 21 March 2021

Fr James died peacefully on Sunday 21st March 2021, in the Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham where he had been well cared for. Fr James was 73 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for nearly twentysix years.

The Requiem Mass took place on Monday 12th April 2021 in Christ the King Church, Alfreton. Because of social distancing and restricted numbers, the Reception and Requiem Mass was by invitation only.

Fr James was born on 14th November 1947

in Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, Ireland. He studied for the priesthood at the Beda College in Rome and was ordained in St Joseph’s Church, Drumkilly, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan on 15th July 1995. His first appointment after ordination was as Assistant Priest at St Barnabas Cathedral until 1996. He was then appointed Assistant Priest in the parish of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Lincoln from 1996 until 1998.

In 1998, Fr James was appointed Priest-inCharge of the parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Immingham. He was appointed Parish Priest of St Pius X, Grimsby with Corpus Christi, Cleethorpes in 2001, and then in 2014 he was also appointed Parochial Administrator of the parish of St Mary on the Sea, Grimsby with St John Fisher, Scartho. Fr James was appointed Dean of Grimsby Deanery in 2006 and re-appointed in 2011 until 2016. In January 2017, he was appointed Parochial Administrator of the Parish of All Saints, Hassop with English Martyrs, Bakewell until April 2017. From September 2017, Fr James was Parish Priest of Christ the King, Alfreton and St Patrick and St Bridget, Clay Cross. He celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood on 15th July 2020.

Canon Owen O’Neill Born 5 January 1941 Ordained 13 June 1965 Died 10 April 2021

Canon Owen died peacefully on Saturday 10th April 2021, at Peaker Park Care Village in Market Harborough. Canon Owen was 80 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for nearly fifty-six years.

Mass with Reception of Canon Owen’s body took place at Our Lady of Victories Church, Market Harborough on Sunday 25th April 2021 at 6pm and the Requiem Mass was on Monday 26th April 2021 at 11am in Our Lady of Victories Church, Market Harborough. Due to Covid restrictions currently in place for Funerals, numbers are restricted to 30 people at both Liturgies. The Reception and Requiem Mass were by invitation only.

Fr Owen was born on 5th January 1941 in Drumwood, Monard, Co Tipperary, Ireland. He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Thurles and was ordained in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles on 13th June 1965. Fr Owen’s first appointment as Assistant Priest was at St Anne’s parish, Radcliffe-on-Trent from 1965 until 1969. He was then appointed Assistant Priest at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Woodthorpe from 1969 until 1974.

Fr Owen was the Administrator of the Catholic Children’s Society from 1974 until 1980. He was appointed Parish Priest of St John Bosco, Leicester from 1980 until 1992 and then appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lincoln, Lincoln from 1992 until 2001. Fr Owen was also appointed a Canon of St Barnabas Cathedral Chapter in 2001. He was then appointed Parish Priest of the parishes of Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough and Saint Mary’s, Husbands Bosworth where he remained until his retirement in 2020. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood on 15th July 2015.

A personal tribute from Father John Joe Maloney

1965 was a great year,the Sound Of Music was released, Jack Nicklaus won the Masters and Tipperary won the McCarthy Cup.

While all this was happening young Owen O’Neill was ordained a priest. He was one of 470 young men in Ireland to be ordained that year. It was a common occurrence in the month of June. When you left secondary school you knew some of your friends would be entering Convents or Seminaries to prepare for going overseas to help in the spreading of the Gospel. It was the spirit

of the times and it felt great to be part of it. While in the Seminary past men returned and told us about what was happening in different countries. We couldn’t wait to get started.

After six years of study Fr. Owen was setting out for Nottingham, full of enthusiasm, ready to spend his life working for the Evangelisation of England. St. John Henry Newman said,”There is one means to convert England, an ample supply of singleminded, saintly, parochial clergy.” He would be pleased with Fr. Owen. After a short holiday at the family farm he arrived in England and was posted to St. Anne’s, Ratcliffe-On-Trent as assistant priest.

Owen’s Parish In Tipperary was 100% Catholic the Family Rosary was recited every night and Saturday night was always very busy getting ready for Sunday Mass. If there was a funeral the church would be packed. He got a shock when two people turned up fo his first funeral in England. He quickly came to terms with a different world which, each year, was becoming increasingly secularised. Owen’s second appointment was to the Good Shepherd In Arnold where he worked with Canon Bernard Mooney and later with Canon John Berry. 2000 attended Mass there in those days. He loved his time there,for about six years, when the Bishop appointed him in charge of the Catholic Children’s Society. Part of the work entailed visiting every parish in the diocese, promoting the work and fund raising. He did this work for six years but didn’t like the asking of money side of it.

Next he was appointed ParishPriest ofSt. John Bosco’s Eyres Monsel with instructions to build a new church there at a cost of £100,000. To raise funds he started Bingo and called the numbers two nights a week. Then he was appointed to OurLady’s, Lincoln for about 8 years. Returning to Leicestershire and Our Lady’s, Market Harborough, with instructions to renovate the church at a cost of £1.2 Million. It took 18 years to complete the work but it was a great achievement.

In his years, as a priest, Fr. Owen has knocked on thousands of doors, instructed hundreds of people, visited prisons, hospitals, nursing homes and schools. He has heard thousands of confessions and prepared numerous people for marriage. He has been a true priest who has shepherded his flock. In him we had a priest to be admired. May he rest in peace. And that will be Heaven! At last the first unclouded seeing To stand like the Sunflower Turned full face to the sun drenched With light in the still centre Held while the circling planets Hum with utter joy Seeing and knowing At last in every particle Seen and known and not turning away Never turning away again. Evangeline Paterson

Father Anthony Colebrook Born 30 August 1931 Ordained 13 May 1967 Died 19 April 2021

Fr Anthony died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 20th April 2021, at Glynn Thomas House, Immingham where he was looked after with great care over many years. Fr Anthony was 89 years of age and had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for nearly fifty-four years.

The Requiem Mass took place on Friday 7th May 2021 at 12 noon in St Mary on the Sea Church, Grimsby followed by burial at 1.30pm at Scartho Road Cemetery, Grimsby. Due to Covid restrictions that were in place for Funerals, numbers were restricted to 30 people and attendance at the Mass was by invitation only. The Mass was Live Streamed.

Fr Tony was born on 30th August 1931 in Grimsby. He was received into the Catholic

Church in 1953 and studied for the priesthood at Osterley and St Joseph’s College, Upholland, Wigan. He was ordained to the priesthood on 13th May 1967 in St Mary on the Sea Church, Grimsby. His first appointment after ordination was as Assistant Priest at the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Carlton until 1973. From 1973 until 1974, Fr Tony was Assistant Priest at the Sacred Heart, Leicester. In 1974, Bishop James McGuinness appointed him as Bishop’s Secretary until 1978 when he was appointed Assistant Priest at the Church of the Annunciation, Chesterfield.

Fr Tony was appointed to the Catholic Missionary Society in September 1979 where he worked for four years. On his return to the diocese in 1983, he was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Matlock until 1989. In 1989 he was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Leicester until 1999 when he returned to North East Lincolnshire as Parish Priest of Corpus Christi, Cleethorpes, and in 2001 he was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Immingham. Fr Tony resigned as parish priest in 2008 but continued in active ministry until his retirement in December 2011. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Ordination on 13th May 2017.

Fr John Cairns Born 18 July 1960 Ordained 26 June 1988 Died 16 August 2021

Fr John died peacefully on Monday 16th August 2021 at his family home in Derry. His Requiem Mass took place in Derry on Thursday 19th August 2021 at 12 noon, Monsignor Jonathan Moore represented the diocese. Fr John was 61 years of age and had suffered with cancer for several years. He had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for thirty-three years.

Fr John was born on the 18th July 1960 in Derry. He studied for the priesthood at Saint Kieran’s College, Kilkenny and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop James McGuinness on 26th June 1988 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry.

His first appointment as Assistant Priest was at Holy Souls, Scunthorpe from 1988 until 1992. Fr John was then appointed Parish Priest of Saint Joseph’s, New Ollerton. He was Youth Chaplain to the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, Assistant Master of Ceremonies and appointed Dean of the Mansfield Deanery. He also became Chaplain to Centre Parcs Holiday Resort, Walesby Scout Camp and Provost Army Cadet Camp within the parish.

In 2002 Fr John was appointed Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s, Marple Bridge and the Annunciation, New Mills. For a short time between 2009 and 2011, he was also appointed Parish Priest of All Saints, Glossop and Saint Mary Crowned, Glossop. In September 2015, Fr John was also appointed Parish Priest of St John Fisher and St Thomas More, Chapel-en-le-Frith with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Tideswell.

A reflection from Father John on the occasion of his silver jubilee

Sitting in the Long Tower church in Derry at the age of eight years old, a thought ran through my mind that one day “I” would be on that altar celebrating Mass. How true this would be!

Life wasn’t easy at first. I was a “Home Bird” and wanted to study for the Derry Diocese. For six years I tried so hard to be accepted for that diocese but failed.

Picking up an “add” looking for vocations for the Nottingham Diocese from Canon Cantwell in our local paper, I applied! Bishop McGuinness interviewed me in his sister’s home in Westland Avenue, Derry on 14 August 1982 and before I knew what had hit me, by September I was studying at Saint Kieran’s College, Kilkenny for the priesthood.

Six years of study followed before I was

ordained in my home parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Derry on 26 June 1988 by Bishop McGuinness, who was proud to return to his native town for the ordination.

My first appointment was to Holy Souls Church, Scunthorpe from 1988 to 1992 under the guidance of Canon Patrick Snee. He was a hard working and dedicated priest who never asked me to do anything that he, himself, was not willing to do. We got on well together. The people of the parish were wonderful: they taught me to drive and ensured that I passed my test; guided, supported and encouraged me during my four years there and ensured that I got to Glanford Park to see all the Scunthorpe United home fixtures!

In June 1992 Bishop James asked me to come to Bishop’s House where he requested that I take over as Parish Priest of Saint Joseph’s in New Ollerton. Two weeks after my moving into my new parish, as well as being the Youth Chaplain to the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, I was asked to become assistant Master of Ceremonies for the Bishop; appointed Dean of the Mansfield Deanery, joined the diocesan Vocations Team, Justice and Peace Group and as a member of the Plenary Committee took on the role of Treasurer to the Liturgical Commission! I also became chaplain to Centre Parcs Holiday Resort, Walesby Scout Camp and Provost Army Cadet Camp within the parish.

However, I was to have ten happy years in Ollerton. The people of the parish were fantastic. Together, we renovated the presbytery and the parish social club; did tremendous work on our schools and re-established the Board of Governors. In 1995 we demolished the old church and built the beautiful church which now stands on Sherwood Drive.

This achievement is due to the wonderful work and dedication of all the parishioners: they paid off the debts within one year of the work’s completion! To them I am most thankful.

In 2002, not too long after Bishop Malcolm’s ordination and coming to the diocese, I too received another move: to Marple Bridge. For this I will forever be indebted to the Bishop for never in my wildest dreams, growing up in Derry and supporting Manchester City, could I ever have hoped to live so close to their ground; a fifteen minutes’ train journey away. Alas, there was also work to be done and first on the agenda was the amalgamation of the two parishes, Saint Mary’s, Marple Bridge and the Annunciation, New Mills. The task filled me with trepidation but came about in a most natural and prayer inspiring way. Despite the many objections that could have been raised, the people set about the work of unification with quiet fortitude. They jelled almost immediately and quickly became a united body of faith.

The New Mills presbytery was demolished to be replaced with a magnificent parish hall and accommodation for priests wanting some quiet time where they could re-charge their batteries, think and pray in one of the most beautiful parts of the Peak District.

For a short while, between 2009 and 2011 this work of unification slowed for a while as, with the help of Father Uchenna, a Spiritan from Nigeria I also took on responsibility for the two Glossop parishes, All Saints and Saint Mary Crowned. There were many times during those two years when I would have like to divide myself into many parts but again the people came to the forefront and kept things together. As Father Uche returned to Africa, I was very very pleased that my burden was lighted with the appointment of Father Greg Tobin, assisted by Father Stanley Ofoegbu, to the Glossop churches.

Shortly after returning to New Mills and Marple Bridge as my primary areas of responsibility I took seriously ill. On 26 December 2011 I returned home to Derry for a short post-Christmas rest only to be admitted to hospital in the New Year. Much

of the current year has been spent back in Derry suffering from cancer in various parts of my body.

The one thing that has sustained me during the past ten months has been the prayers of people from all around the diocese. Daily the postman brought cards and good wishes: all accompanied by assurances of prayer. I have lost count of the number of Masses that have been offered for my welfare and I am quite sure that I do not know the half of it. There have been occasions when I felt close to death and I suspect that the surgeons and oncologists would not have argued with those who suggested that I was close to death. Throughout these months I have been supported by the faith and prayers of so many many people. To you all I am most grateful for without your love and affection, without your prayers I would not be here today scripting this biography. Thank you all: Bishop Malcolm, the priests and people and all who have prayed on my behalf. I now pray that I will be fit and well enough to continue in my vocation over many years and that many young people will follow the pathway which leads to priesthood.

Father Hugh Doherty Born 2 July 1933 Ordained 14 June 1981 Died 25 September 2021

Fr Hugh died peacefully on Saturday 25 September 2021 aged 88. He had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for 40 years and had celebrated his Ruby Jubilee of Ordination on 14th June 2021. His Requiem Mass took place on Monday 27 September 2021 in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry. Fr Frank McLaughlin represented the diocese and all the clergy and faithful of the diocese.

Fr Hugh was born on 2nd July 1933 in Derry. In 1960 he joined the Cistercian Order at Bethlehem Abbey, Portglenone, Ballymena, Co Antrim, and made his Solemn Profession in 1965. In 1977 he was accepted by Bishop James McGuinness as a student for the Nottingham Diocese and began his studies at All Hallows Seminary, Dublin. Fr Hugh was ordained on 14 June 1981 at All Hallows.

Fr Hugh’s first appointment was to Saint Mary’s, Derby as Assistant Priest from 1981 until 1983, when he was appointed Assistant Priest at Saint Thomas More, Knighton, for seven years until 1990. He was then appointed Parish Priest of Sacred Heart and Saint Gilbert, Bourne, and Our Lady of Lincoln and Saint Guthlac, Deeping St James, until 1996. In 1996 Fr Hugh moved to Saint Mary’s, Marple Bridge as Parish Priest. In 2002 he retired to Northern Ireland and lived at Bethlehem Abbey, Co Antrim, where he once was a member of the Cistercian Community.

Father Patrick O’Doherty

Born 20 October 1940 Ordained 16 June 1990 Died 1 October 2021

Fr Patrick O’Doherty died peacefully on Friday 1st October 2021 in the Pilgrim Hospital, Boston. He had been a priest of the Diocese of Nottingham for 31 years and would have been 81 years of age on the 20th October. His Requiem Mass took place in the Sacred Heart and St Gilbert’s Church, Bourne on Friday 22 October 2021.

Fr Pat was born on 20th October 1940 in Cork City, Ireland. He began his studies for the priesthood in 1984 at Campion House, Middlesex and from 1986 at All Hallows College, Dublin. He was ordained to the priesthood on 16th June 1990 at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Gainsborough.

Fr Pat’s first appointment as Assistant Priest, was at Christ the King, Alfreton and St Patrick and St Bridget, Clay Cross from 1990 until 1992. From 1992 until 1996, he was Assistant Priest at St Peter’s, Leicester. In 1996, Fr Pat was appointed Parish Priest of St Gilbert’s, Bourne and Our Lady of Lincoln and St Guthlac, Deeping St James where he remained until his retirement in 2004. He celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Ordination on 16th June 2015.

From the funeral homily preached by Father Stephen Dye, 22 October 2021

My dear brothers and sisters,

Father Pat died on 1st October this year (2021). I was touched by the lovely picture that Father Simon, Bishop Patrick’s secretary, sent to the clergy in his email. The picture was of Father Pat looking intently at a beautiful dark red rose. The first of October is the feast day of Saint Therese

of Lisieux. I wonder was that just a coincidence, considering how powerful an intercessor Therese is? She said that she would spend her life in heaven doing good on earth and that she would let fall a shower of roses. She also said I will help priests. May all of us priests benefit from the help of Saint Therese in our ministry now and in the future.

Father Pat planned everything in this Requiem Mass beforehand. No doubt he chose this gospel for all of us to reflect on while we have time. It describes the Last Judgement at the end of time, when God sheds his divine light on all humankind. The purpose of this gospel is to tell us how we should live in order to inherit eternal life in the glory of heaven. Above all we should have a loving and generous heart. Fortunately for us Jesus, God incarnate, has made heaven possible for s by the power of his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. If we are faithful to his teaching then our death marks the beginning of our eternal life with Him. That is why we celebrate Holy Mass for our loved ones who have gone before us; it’s the most powerful prayer we can offer.

In the presence of Jesus Christ who is Truth itself the truth of each person’s relationship with God will be revealed. Then we will know our full story, no room for pride or shame in heaven because we belong in God’s love. It will be revealed that God’s justice triumphs over all the injustices committed by us, his creatures. Love is stronger than Death. Let us thank God then for sending his Son Jesus to redeem us, and to found his Church giving us all the ability through the power of the Holy Spirit to follow the example of Jesus, to receive the Sacraments, especially the Mass in which the pledge of the life to come is given to us.

Father Pat, despite having a difficult time in his childhood and at school, always showed love and compassion to others. Father Pat enriched and inspired many parishioners in the community he worked in, especially in Bourne and Deeping, his first and only appointment as parish priest. He kept a simple faith and his greatest message to all was God is love. He was deeply moved by the celebration of his Silver Jubilee in 2015 which made him so happy and deeply humble and grateful. So today it is fitting that we pray in this church for Father Pat’s immortal soul, and thank God for Father Pat’s many years of faithful ministry in our diocese.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.