New priest serves Littlehampton and Rustington parishes

The Rt Rev Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, visited St Joseph’s, Rustington and St Catherine’s, Littlehampton for their Sunday masses (November 13), to induct Fr Dominic as parish priest of both parishes.

His appointment followed the recent death of Fr Brendan Burke at St Joseph’s, and the retirement of Fr Albert Van Der Most from St Catherine’s.

A spokesman for the diocese said Fr Dominic would be responsible for leading the two parish communities with help and support from both congregations.

Bishop Kieran spoke about the role of a parish priest in gathering the Catholic community together in prayer and action so that they might carry out their mission to the wider world, especially in these difficult economic times when people, both in the Catholic community and beyond, needed practical assistance.

For the last year Fr Dominic had been acting parish priest in Shoreham and Steyning.

His first appointment, after ordination to the priesthood in 2007, had been as assistant priest in the parish of Redhill and then in Bognor Regis.

Before studying for the priesthood he worked for social services in Brighton for those with learning difficulties.

He said “I am looking forward with joy to working with the people of both Littlehampton and Rustington.

“There will be challenges ahead as we begin to work together as two parish communities, but if we act in love and seek support in prayer then all those challenges will be overcome.

“I see a vibrant and enthusiastic future for the Catholic Church in Rustington and Littlehampton as part of the local community.”

Fr Dominic will also work closely with staff and pupils at St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, Littlehampton.