A significant milestone was marked on Sunday 16 February, as Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP visited the newly formed parish of St Mary and St Catherine, Euxton, to install Fr Simon Henry as Parish Priest.

 

The new parish brings together the communities of St Mary’s, Euxton and St Catherine Labouré, Farington, following the recent retirement of Fr Gerry McCusker. Fr Simon, who has served as Parish Priest at St Catherine’s for the past 15 years, now takes on the pastoral care of both communities.

 

“It has been quite a challenge over the last few months,” said Fr Simon, reflecting on the transition, “and there is much work to be done in these two great communities, now growing towards becoming one family.”

 

The installation took place during the 10:30am Sunday Mass, with Fr Graeme Dunne, Dean of the area, presenting Fr Simon to the archbishop and offering his continued support. Archbishop Malcolm led the celebration of Mass and formally entrusted the keys of the parish to Fr Simon.

 

The liturgy was described as “splendid,” with music led by parish music director Anthony Dickinson. A choir of 30 children from the parish school added a joyful dimension to the Mass with their beautiful singing from the choir loft.

 

“Building up an increasingly close relationship with the school has already been a highlight of my time here,” Fr Simon noted, acknowledging the support of Headteacher Mrs Sue Noblett.

 

After Mass, parishioners from both churches gathered in the parish centre for a celebration, giving Archbishop Malcolm an opportunity to meet many members of the newly united community.

 

Looking ahead, Fr Simon shared, “The two communities each have different gifts, but I hope we can all learn from one another and embrace new challenges to build a thriving and committed community that can bear a strong witness to our Catholic Faith.”