Parish History
Find out more about St Marys and Holy Family
When Father Joseph was Parish Priest of St. Clare’s parish he arranged for a Mass Centre to be built. It was opened by Archbishop McGrath on Sunday 28th March 1955 and was dedicated to the Holy Family.
On August 28th 1964 Holy Family became a separate parish. Father Paul Chidgey was appointed the first Parish Priest, celebrating his first Parish Mass on Sunday 30th August 1964. The first collection was £27.62.
In 1966 the congregation increased substantially when St. Paul’s Newtown was closed and most of the members moved to Fairwater.
Fr Francis Slater was appointed curate on 6th September 1968 and remained there until 1972,
Fr Patrick Kerrisk was appointed to succeed Fr. Paul Chidgey on 12th April 1972.
A new Church and presbytery were built. The new Church was opened on 16th October 1980.
Bishop Hannon School was opened on 6th September 1965. Mr Peter Welch was appointed the Head Teacher. The school was closed in 1987 and subsequently demolished.
Holy Family Primary School was opened on 1st September 1966. Mr Dan Chidgey was appointed Head Teacher.