St. Mary’s new priest, Father Michael Whalen, is a true “Geordie” and very proud of the fact he was born in Scotswood Road, Newcastle.
He came from humble beginnings, leaving school at 15 to go to work for a paper merchants. Fr. Michael describes himself as a late developer gathering a thirst for learning and taking a self taught educational route to fulfil his ambition to become first a secondary school teacher and then a priest.
He was influenced by his parents who were good catholics. His father was a choirmaster and Michael was a chorister singing bass. He has an elder sister with three children.
After he gained his degree in History Fr. Michael at the age of 33, was trained for the priesthood at Ushaw College Catholic Seminary. He served in Billingham, Sunderland, Crook, Blackhill and Jesmond before he moved to Newton Aycliffe.
Aycliffe’s new Catholic priest likes to keep fit and one of his first tasks here was to join the Leisure Centre Fitness Club. Don’t be surprised if he turns up to visit you on his bike or you bump into him while walking. He has a casual approach and you won’t see him dressed in black.
It was only later in life he came to enjoy travel and loves Italy and Tuscany in particular, having holidayed there with his father before he died recently.
He admits to feeling a little lost, leaving his home town and suffering this bereavement, but has found the warm reception at Newton Aycliffe by parishioners to be heartwarming and overwhelming.
He is looking forward to getting involved in the community life of the town and is impressed by the environment.
On behalf of the townspeople we welcome Father Whalen, hoping he finds happiness in his new home and enjoys a successful ministry.
