Bishop Marcus has announced a series of clergy appointments across the diocese, to take effect this summer.
Monsignor Canon Gerard Robinson has been appointed parochial administrator of St George’s Parish, York, with Father Timothy Whitwell, of the Diocese of Leeds, becoming parochial administrator of St Joseph’s, Stokesley.
Father David White is retiring from the Parish of Our Lady and St Edward, Driffield. Canon David Grant takes up the role of parochial administrator.
Father Gilbert Samuguana OSJ becomes parochial administrator of St Aelred’s, York, with Father Benjamin Ogar OSJ serving as parochial vicar.
In Middlesbrough, Father Osinachi Emmanuel Anaele will serve as parochial vicar (assistant priest) at St Joseph’s and St Thomas More parishes.
Father Steven Leightell has been appointed diocesan Master of Ceremonies, in addition to his current responsibilities at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish.
Several appointments have been made in Hull and the surrounding area. Father Jose Michael MF becomes parochial administrator of Holy Cross, Cottingham, and Catholic chaplain to the University of Hull. He will be assisted by Father Shani Francis, of the Diocese of Quilon, India, who is appointed parochial vicar and assistant chaplain.
Father Charles Bassey has been appointed parochial administrator of the parishes of St Mary and St Joseph, Hedon, St Peter and St John Fisher, Withernsea, and Sacred Heart, Hornsea. Father Richard Nwagwu becomes parochial administrator of St Vincent de Paul, Hull.
Elsewhere, Father William Serplus will serve as parochial administrator of the Middlesbrough parishes of St Francis of Assisi, Acklam, and St Clare of Assisi, Brookfield.
Bishop Marcus said: “The assignment of clergy to pastoral offices and ministries is one of the most important and sensitive responsibilities of a bishop. I wish to thank each priest for the graciousness with which they have accepted their appointment to a new office or any additional responsibilities added to their ministry.
“The generosity and willingness they have shown to accept these changes is a testimony to their personal faith and readiness to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church.
“Undertaking a new parochial office or special ministry can be very demanding emotionally and spiritually. I ask you therefore to kindly keep in your prayers all your brother clergy and the parish communities who will be involved in the moves this summer.
“I wish to thank sincerely Father David White for the dedicated priestly ministry which he has so faithfully contributed to the life of our diocese. We offer him our best wishes for the future, together with an assurance of our prayers for his continuing priestly life in retirement.”
Bishop Marcus offered his congratulations to Father Richard Marsden, who has been appointed vice rector of the Venerable English College in Rome.
He added: “I thank too Father William Massie for the many years of his devoted ministry as chaplain to Hull University. The provision of Catholic priestly ministry and chaplaincy to Hull University will continue to be supported by Father Jose Michael MF and Father Shani Francis.
“Father Philip Cunnah will be stepping down from parochial ministry in the parishes of St Mary and Saint Joseph, Hedon, and St Peter and St John Fisher, Withernsea, and devote his ministry exclusively to St Charles Borromeo Parish in Hull and oversee the restoration of the grade one listed church and presbytery. I wish to thank him for his ministry in Hedon and Withernsea over the past year.
“I also thank Father Peter Taylor for the years in which he has served as Master of Ceremonies at major pontifical liturgical celebrations in the cathedral and at other venues within and outside the diocese. From the summer, this role will be undertaken by Father Steven Leightell.
“Please welcome Father Timothy Whitwell, from the Diocese of Leeds, who has kindly accepted appointment to a parish in this diocese as parochial administrator of the Parish of St Joseph, Stokesley.”
Bishop announces summer clergy moves
