Fr Simon Davies new Priest at Our Lady and St Joseph’s

The parish community of Our Lady and St Joseph’s in Sheringham & Cromer warmly welcomed Bishop Peter Collins on 3 February for the formal induction of their new Parish Priest, Father Simon Davies. 

The event marked a significant moment in the life of the parish, coinciding with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, which carries the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Parishioners are looking forward to this new chapter with great enthusiasm.

Father Simon assumed his new role on 18th January and has been settling in following a period of time in Ottawa, Canada, where he was studying Canon Law. His background within the Diocese of East Anglia is extensive; since his ordination in 2019, he has served as Assistant Priest at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, worked as a school chaplain in Norwich, and provided end-of-life pastoral care at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital during the pandemic. He also plays a vital role in the Diocese’s judicial office.

With a keen interest in local history, architecture, and travel, Father Simon is already planning a series of talks for parishioners as well as retreats for liturgical ministers, initiatives that have been warmly welcomed by the community.

Speaking about his appointment, Father Simon expressed both hope and commitment to the parish, saying:

“Our parish has had a hard time with priests moving so regularly around our diocese, but we all hope now for some stability and progress in both developing and nourishing the parish as a Christian family, as well as maintaining our beautiful church buildings, and making sure that the wider local community knows and feels that the Catholic parish is an active part of local life. Our parish is large – from Holt to Trimingham! – and I am looking forward to parish ministry for people with different personal circumstances from different places.”

The service was enriched by a special musical contribution from Daniel Justin, the former Director of Music for the Catholic Diocese of East Anglia, who composed a glorious antiphon for the occasion. The choir, under the direction of Paul Henriksen, sang beautifully. Daniel, now Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Australia, added an international dimension to the celebration.

Behind the scenes, many parishioners dedicated their time and effort to ensure the smooth running of the event, with those involved in church ministry working diligently to support the occasion. The parish’s social committee also upheld tradition by providing a generous spread for those in attendance.

Friends, family, and clergy who have supported Father Simon throughout his ministry joined the parishioners in celebrating this important milestone. The service was both solemn and joyous, and the parish community eagerly looks forward to the future under Father Simon’s guidance. Those who were unable to attend in person can view the livestream of the Mass at this link.

During the service, Bishop Peter also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Father Trindade Monteiro for his dedicated service to the parish before moving to Sacred Heart Parish in St Ives earlier in January.

With this new beginning, Our Lady and St Joseph’s embarks on a journey of faith, hope, and community, united in the spirit of the Jubilee Year.

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