Fr James Brennan ON THE MORNING of 6 November 2002, Fr James (Seamus) Francis Brennan died peacefully in his sleep. He was 76 years of age.
Fr Seamus was born in Newry, Co Down and studied for the priesthood at St John's College, Waterford. He was ordained on 12 June 1952.
Fr Seamus will always be remembered by those who knew him as a gentle priest with an unassuming manner. His dedication and loyalty both to his parishioners and the Middlesbrough diocese could never be questioned. He was particularly filled with joy at being able to see the new church at Sleights completed in his lifetime.
Fr Seamus began his ministry as an assistant priest at St
Peter's, South Bank where he served until 1954 when he became assistant priest at St George's, York. From 1957 to 1964 he served the people of St Peter's, Scarborough. Due to ill health he was given sick leave from 1964-1965. He was never able to enjoy the best of health during his priesthood. On his return to the diocese he was appointed assistant priest at St Joseph and St Francis Xavier's, Richmond. In 1970 he was made parish priest at All Saints, Thirsk where he served until 1982 when he was appointed parish priest at the English Martyrs, Sleights his last appointment. In 1999 he retired to Mayobridge. His funeral Mass was celebrated last Friday at St Joseph's, Sheeptown, Newry. Bishop John Crowley of Middlesbrough will offer a Mass of thanksgiving on 21 November (see p12 Bishops' Engagements).