A fond farewell to Father Chris

Father Spain has been parish priest of St Mary Magdalene’s, Bexhill, St Martha’s, Little Common, and Our Lady of the Rosary, Sidley, for the past 11 years. He will be taking up a new post based in Surrey at the end of September.

In addition to serving three Catholic churches in the locality, he has been an active member of the chaplaincy team at St Richard’s Catholic College and St Mary Magdalene’s Primary School.

Father Chris, as he is affectionately known by many, has been a prominent figure in many areas of the the community and says he will miss Bexhill when he takes up his new post:.

“I have been as actively involved in Churches Together in Bexhill events as I can be, and have always appreciated their support and work. I have twice served as Mayor’s Chaplain and greatly enjoyed many of the local activities of our town community. I also served as the Dean of St Leonard’s Deanery for the past seven years.

“It has been a busy but rewarding 11 years sharing in people’s spiritual journeys through good times and celebrations and some of the more difficult times too.

“I will miss Bexhill, mainly the people who have supported and helped me in so many ways; but also the sea and surroundings in this beautiful part of East Sussex.”

Father Spain will be taking up his new appointment in the Parish of the Nativity, which serves three churches and their surrounding communities in Redhill, Reigate and Merstham. He will be the Moderator of a team ministry and says he “looks forward to the challenges and tasks ahead.”

Father Spain will be succeeded by Father David Parmiter, who is familiar with the area having previously worked in Eastbourne.

Before leaving Bexhill Father Spain will be joining one final school trip with St Mary Magdalene’s Primary on their start of year six PGL visit to Windmill Hill on September 5 and says he is anticipating an enjoyable trip.

“I have assisted on these for the past eight years and particularly look forward to spending time with this wonderful group of pupils and teachers, helping them overcome their fears and hopefully they will help me overcome mine! As I have jokingly told the parish, ‘I want to go out on a high’.

“I will be returning in the autumn for two celebration Masses – one in St Richard’s and one in St Mary Magdalene’s Church – to thank God for the many blessings I have received over the past 11 years.

“I leave behind many friends and many happy memories.”