In a very exciting move, it was announced at masses this morning that our Curate, Fr Jordan McDermott, is to be the next Rector of Eccleston and Charnock Richard, in the Deanery of Chorley. He will be Inducted on Monday 10 June at a service at St Mary's Eccleston at 7.30 pm. 

Fr Jordan has been working with us in the Parish of the Good Shepherd since his ordination as Deacon in 2021. He was signed off as having finished his Curacy earlier this year. Over these three years, he has worked hard with Fr David and the Wardens and PCCs of the former parishes to seek to share the love of the Gospel with the people of our Parish. He has forged good links with all four of the Church schools within our parish, and has been committed to working with children and young people.

As a parish we have benefitted from his commitment to the people of Accrington, his engaging preaching style and his willingness to get stuck in with any event that has been taking place. In particular he had the experience of leading the parish during Fr David's recent sabbatical, which he did with his usual commitment and good humour.

It is true to say that we will miss Fr Jordan in the Parish of the Good Shepherd, but we wish him and Becky well as they prepare for their move. Please keep them, and the parishes of Eccleston and Charnock Richard in your prayers in the weeks ahead.

Fr Jordan's last Sunday in the Parish of the Good Shepherd will Sunday 19 May, Pentecost Sunday. This will be marked by a service at St Andrew's Church at 4.00 pm, where we will have the opportunity to say farewell to him as a parish. All members of the parish community are invited! Please put the date in the diary, so that we can give him a good Accrington sendoff!