Fr. Damian Feeney was appointed last June as the first Mission Priest in the Diocese of Blackburn, by Bishop Alan Chesters. Since April, he, his wife Fiona and his family have been living in a new house in the Briarfields area of Longsands – a house which has been built to house a chapel for daily worship. Fr. Damian was born in Thornton Cleveleys and went to school in Blackpool at St. Joseph’s College. He was a member of the Lancashire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra for three years and still rates being shipwrecked off the coast of Sweden with Thomas Oldham as one of his fondest memories! He pursued music at University before working as a teacher at St. Matthew’s C of E School in Preston. In 1991 they moved to Chichester where Damian began to train for the priesthood.

After three years the family moved to Yorkshire where Fr. Damian served as Assistant Curate at St. Wilfred’s, Harrogate. In addition, he initiated a Church Plant worshipping on a Saturday night on the Jennyfield Estate in Harrogate. After two and a half years it was time to move again, to Preston, to serve at the Parish Church and at St. George’s – a different style of ministry, which included chaplaincy to the Mayoralty, the Law Courts and County Hall. This latter chaplaincy has had a knock on effect as Fr. Damian now conducts the County Hall Singers.

Fr. Damian and Fiona have three children – Rebecca (10) Patrick (8) and Eleanor (5). All currently attend Woodlands School in Ribbleton. Patrick has, if anything, attracted more publicity that his father as a snooker prodigy. He has appeared on local and national television (the highlight being a live appearance on Blue Peter).

Fr. Damian’s role at ASDA has become relatively well known and represents one of God’s delightful surprises. Not only is the Eucharist celebrated there weekly, but occasional services (at Harvest & Christmas) are now broadcast from Fulwood across the entire ASDA network. This happens in addition to a Chaplaincy role which Fr. Damian undertakes within the store. This is wonderfully exciting because of the relationships being formed and the opportunities which are presenting themselves.

Longsands is clearly about new opportunities and challenges, both exciting and daunting. Please continue to pray for all of us who, from our respective traditions and denominations, serve Longsands and for all who seek to forge community identity here.