New Parish Priest for the Sacred Heart

Posted on 15th December 2023 | in Community

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, The Right Reverend Stephen Wright has appointed Canon Stephen Watson to be the new Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart and St. Cuthbert’s in succession to the late Father Malcolm Cairns.

This appointment will be in addition to his current priestly responsibilities for the Church of St. Paul in Alnwick. Canon Stephen will continue to reside in Alnwick.

Born in Sunderland in 1964; one of eight boys Canon Stephen had a career as an ophthalmic nurse and worked abroad as a travel guide. He went on to train as a mental health nurse before commencing his studies for the priesthood at Usher College, Durham.

He was ordained on June 20 in 2000 and has worked in a number of parishes, including Sunderland, Ashington and Alnwick.

Canon Stephen is very much looking forward to getting to know the people of the ‘Friendliest Port’ and working with the clergy of the other churches in Amble.
We extend a warm welcome to Canon Stephen.
Sacred Heart and St. Cuthbert’s RC Church