I was born in Sunderland and, yes,
I am a Sunderland supporter! After working for some years as a solicitor,
I felt called to priesthood and was ordained in 2002. I worked in parishes
in Jarrow and Stockton-on-Tees before being appointed chaplain to the universities
of Newcastle and Northumbria in 2005. I enjoy the university environment
and love working with young people. As a chaplain, I want to help make
the chaplaincy a safe space, where everyone can deepen their relationship
with God, find friendship in a welcoming community, and explore their own
beliefs and values. So come on in....
Bede House - Catholic Chaplaincy seeks to offer pastoral and spiritual support to students and staff.
The Chaplaincy is part of the Roman Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle www.rcdhn.org.uk and serves students and staff of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne www.newcastle.ac.uk, University of Northumbria at Newcastle www.unn.ac.uk and Newcastle College www.ncl-coll.ac.uk.
The Chaplains are Fr Andrew Downie and Mia Fox.
The Chaplains are available if people wish to speak to them. Bede House can be used for prayer during the day.
On meeting me you will realise I am not originally from these lovely parts – I come from Gants Hill in north Ilford on the London/Essex border. I am the youngest of four from Jewish/Italian parents and was brought up a Catholic with a rich heritage behind me. I worked for 14 years as a Civil Servant (Inland Revenue!) and I followed that with 7 years with a Religious Congregation of Sisters with ministries in Zambia, El Salvador and different parts of England before coming to Bede House - Catholic Chaplaincy. I hope you will find me approachable and friendly and able to talk to me about anything that's on your mind whether personal, emotional or spiritual - I am here for you!
