Fr Patrick Kennedy
Year Ordained: 17th June 1962
Year Joined this Deanery: 1970 - 1981, and again in 2007 - present
Parishes Responsible for: Retired - Supply for the cluster
Contact telephone Number: 0191 4560724
Life Journey
I was born in Ireland in 1937 and was brought up in a strong Catholic family. At the age of five, I went to my primary school in a small village of Clogheen which is known as the ‘Hidden Heart of Ireland’. I went to the boarding school of St. Augustin’s in Dungarvan where I was taught by the renowned Augustinian priests. During that time, I learned how truly to live by the Gospel and followed in my educators’ vocation by signing on to the six year training programme at St. John’s seminary in Waterford to become a priest. I trained alongside Bishop Seamus Cunningham (I taught him all he knows…)
After my ordination on the 17th June 1962 I was appointed a curate at the church of St Patrick’s in Felling where I served for four years. From there I moved to St Charles’ near spennymoor for another four years. During the next seven years I served as a curate at St Aloysius in Hebburn and, St Gregory’s in South Shields for four years. During this time I learned from the experienced parish priests preparing me for my unforeseen promotion to ‘parish priest’ of St Joseph’s in Newton Aycliffe for thirteen years. After a very spiritual time there I was assigned the position, once again, as parish priest of St Aiden’s in Coach Lane Benton for another thirteen years. During these time periods I coordinated several group visits to Israel for religious pilgrimages.
I am now retired and have moved back to St Gregory’s presbytery where I often say Mass on supply for the cluster parishes of South Shields, Whitburn & Boldon.
During my spare time I enjoy going on regular visits back to my home country of Ireland where I see my brother and other family members and friends. Prior to having both of my hips replaced I enjoyed playing golf, reading and walking. Now I just stick to the reading!
Cluster Vision
My vision for the future development of the cluster parishes of South Shields, Whitburn and Boldon is that a decision is made to have one central church building where different families of parishes come together along with all the clergy to co-celebrate the Eucharist each day. This would create one family in Christ, a deeper meaning for each individual and a united community where the worship of God can grow.