Mrs McGouran a school Governor, is also our school Chaplin.  She helps us prepare for our school Masses. Throughout the year, the parish are invited to school Masses.  At Lent and Advent, groups of KS2 children join the parish lunchtime Mass at St Bernadette’s Church.
The SVP group support the work of the Mini Vinnies in school and regularly join the children in their various events throughout the year and hold meetings with children once a fortnight
Parish volunteers also listen to children read weekly, help at school fairs and PTA events.
We are so grateful for all the support the parish offer us at school.

Canon Lumley

Father John – Parish Priest at St Bernadette’s Church

Father John is our Parish Priest.  He is a regular visitor in school and classes. He is readily available for children, staff and parents to talk with. His presence around school is another way in which we ensure that our faith is visible and lived out.

Canon Lumley (Pen Portrait)

I am from South Bank originally where I attended St James’ RC Primary School, Sacred Heart (Redcar) and then St Mary’s College, Middlesbrough. I studied Modern Languages at Durham University then Theology at Heythrop College (London University), followed by my teacher training at Liverpool.
I taught at Newlands FCJ before completing my training for the priesthood at Ushaw seminary. I was ordained in 1995 by Bishop John Corley.
I’ve worked as a priest of Middlesbrough Diocese for approaching 30 years, and as well as parish ministry, have been involved in Adult Formation and, for a number of years, headed up the Diocesan Schools Service. I also taught for three years back at Ushaw Seminary, teaching part of the degree offered by Durham University to students at the time.
Currently, as well as my parish ministry, I am the Episcopal Vicar for Christian Discipleship, which means I have oversight of diverse aspects of diocesan life and ministry: Caritas, Marriage and Family Life, Prison Chaplaincy, Hospital Chaplaincy, LGBT+ ministry, among other things.
Many of my nephews and nieces, and great nephews and nieces, passed through St Bernadette’s primary school and I have relatives who currently teach in the school too, so I am very aware of the great gift which the school is to our Catholic community.
I Iook forward to strengthening and developing the links between parish and school, and hope to support the school in any way I can.