News

Parish Priest formally welcomed

Published on 31 May 2012

St Anne's in Accrington welcomed their new Parish Priest recently. Fr Simon Stamp, of late the secretary to Bishop Brain, was inducted as Parish Priest last Wednesday evening. The ceremony of induction, usually taking place during Mass, is the formal process that confirms a Priest as pastor in his parish. After the letter of appointment by the Bishop is read out, the new Priest recites the Creed and makes an oath of fidelity before God and all present.

Finally, he receives the keys of the parish from the Dean and swaps position at the Presider's chair.

Paying homage to the many parishioners who have welcomed him as their pastor, Fr Stamp thanked all those present in a Mass presided over by the local Rural Dean, Fr Peter Hopkinson. About twenty priests concelebrated the Mass and the church was full to bursting.

Fr Stamp had chosen the Gospel of the Good Shepherd. In laying down his life for the sheep, Fr Hopkinson remarked in the sermon, the Priest is able to accompany his people in all situations, the final goal of which is the blessed life of heaven.

A sumptuous buffet was laid on by the people of St Anne's, who welcomed others from all over the diocese at this happy occasion.