Clergy Appointments Across the Diocese

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The Diocese of East Anglia recently saw a number of clergy appointments and pastoral changes take effect across the Diocese.

Bishop Peter Collins said: “I was pleased to announce the following moves and thank these priests for generously agreeing to take on their new appointments. On behalf of the whole Diocese, I thanked them, too, for their service in current postings. We recognise that for many, the loss of their parish priests will be a cause of heartfelt sadness.”

These appointments reflected the continuing pastoral needs of the Diocese and the generous willingness of clergy and religious to serve wherever they were called.

Fr Martin Hardy was appointed Dean of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich. In taking up this significant role at the mother church of the Diocese, Fr Martin assumed responsibility for overseeing the liturgical and pastoral life of the Cathedral community while supporting the Bishop in diocesan celebrations and events.

Several parish communities welcomed new Parish Priests. Fr Alan Hodgson was appointed Parish Priest of Sacred Heart, North Walsham; Fr Peter Raj was appointed Parish Priest of Saint Michael the Archangel, Huntingdon; Fr Andrew Eburne was appointed Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Thetford; Fr Simon Leworthy was appointed Parish Priest of St Dominic’s, Downham Market; Fr Michael Brookes was appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Seven Dolours, Stowmarket; and Fr Walter Chenyika was appointed Parish Priest of St Peter and All Souls, Peterborough, he will be assisted by Fr Alex Atu, who had recently been based in London where he led the national chaplaincy to the Nigerian Community.

The Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette transferred to St George’s, Norwich, and also assumed pastoral responsibility for Our Lady of the Annunciation. The Diocese expressed its gratitude to the Missionaries for their continued service and commitment to parish life in East Anglia.

Fr Shinto Varghese CRM took up residence with his brother priests of the Adorno Fathers at St Laurence’s, Cambridge. His pastoral ministry was exercised as Assistant Priest to Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge, where he supported the parish in its sacramental and pastoral life.

Fr Erico Falcao returned to Brazil in the spring of 2026. The Diocese thanked Fr Erico for his ministry and dedication during his time in East Anglia and assured him of prayers as he began this new chapter.

As these changes took place, parishioners were invited to keep all the clergy involved in their prayers. While farewells were not easy, the new appointments brought opportunities for renewal and continued growth in faith across the Diocese of East Anglia.