Thursday, August 19, 2010
WELCOME FR JAMES PRESTON
We now have confirmation from the Archbishop that Fr James Preston will replace Fr John who will be leaving the Pastoral Area next weekend.
Father James was born and raised in Newton-le-Willows. He attended St Mary’s Primary School and St Aelred’s High School before going on to University. In 2001, he was accepted as a candidate for the priesthood and spent 6 years at Ushaw College in Durham. During his training, he undertook his parish placement at St Wilfred’s, Ashton and Holy Family, Platt Bridge.
In 2007, on the Feast of St Peter and Paul, Archbishop Kelly ordained him to the priesthood in his home parish of St Mary’s and St John’s, Newton-le-Willows. He has since served in the Widnes Pastoral Area, working with two priests covering five parish communities. He is also part of team working at developing vocations in the Archdiocese.
In joining the Pastoral Area, Fr James substantially reduces the average age of the clergy to 45 years, so we are already feeling younger! He is delighted with his new appointment to the team here and looks forward to working with us all.
Fr James has decided to reside in the smaller parish house at Twelve Apostles, which he feels will suit his needs. Preparations on the parish house will be undertaken prior to his coming to stay.
Fr James has worked throughout the summer, so he will be taking a break in September and starting his ministry among us on Tuesday 23rd September. However, he will join us for the Mass to celebrate the Feasts of our Pastoral Area Saints on Tuesday 31st August at 7.30 pm at St Richard’s, Atherton.