University Catholic Chaplaincy Newcastle

Chaplains

Fr Andrew Shaw

I was born in 1973 in Sydney Australia and came to the United Kingdom with my British parents when they returned home to Newcastle. We settled in Northumberland and I lived there for majority of my life (so far). In 1989 I left school, found employment working for 10 years in banking, both on the Mainland and Off Shore in the Channel Islands.

In 1999 I entered Seminary and graduated with a BA in Theology and Ministry. I took some time to discern what direction God was asking me to live my life and worked at the Byker Bridge Housing Association.

In 2006 I re-entered Seminary and was later ordained a priest. Since then I have worked in different parts of the diocese, including Newcastle City Centre. I have also been a priest chaplain, Governor, and Associate Governor to a number of primary and secondary schools. In January 2016 I became Parish Priest at St Andrew's and Catholic Chaplain to the Freeman and RVI hospitals, The Centre for Ageing and Vitality, and the Marie Currie Hospice.

In September 2018 I took on the position as Priest Chaplain to the Catholic students living in and around the city of Newcastle, and am Catholic Chaplain to Northumbria University. I am delighted to be part of this ministry, working alongside Mia and the wider chaplaincy team, and meeting you regardless of whether you are a person of faith, just looking, or of no faith. Take care and I hope to see you around on Campus. Do say hello if you recognise me from my photo.

Fr Andrew Shaw: st.andrews.worswicklive.co.uk - 191 232 1892

Mia Fox

On meeting me you will realise I am not originally from the lovely north-east of England. I come from Ilford in North East London and 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!) after which I was a member of a Religious Congregation of Sisters for 7 years with ministries in Zambia, El Salvador and different parts of England. In 2005 I took on the position of Lay University Chaplain here in Newcastle.

I hold a BSc in Political and Social Science, and an MA in Theology and Ministry from Durham University. I completed the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies many years back and am trained in Spiritual Accompaniment (spiritual direction). I am currently undertaking further studies, part time, for a Professional Doctorate in Theology with the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology in Cambridge. I love exploring the Scriptures and enjoy running the regular Wednesday group.

My other passions are cinema, theatre and, unashamedly, all things Star Trek! For my sins I follow the highs and (mainly) lows of West Ham United FC. I consider myself very much a pastoral chaplain and hope you will find me friendly and approachable. Please know that you can talk to me in confidence about anything that's on your mind, whether personal, emotional or spiritual, with no judgement... I am here for you!

Mia Fox: mia.foxdiocesehn.org.uk - 7713 259173