St Columba's & St Malachy's Catholic Churches

Canon Finan was born on 9 October 1932 Carrowcorragh, Lavagh in County Sligo. He was one of five children, with two sisters and two brothers and both his brothers also became priests. He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin where he was ordained on 16 June 1957.

Apart from five years in St Ignatius, Ossett his priestly ministry was spent in Bradford and Halifax, serving as Assistant Priest in the parishes of St Mary and St Cuthbert before becoming Parish Priest in 1972 with his appointment to St Mary & St Monica’s, Cottingley and in 1978 to St William’s, Bradford.

In 1986 he moved to Halifax, where he remained for the next twenty-one years as Parish Priest of St Columba’s until his retirement in 2007. In 2006 he was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter by Bishop Roche.

Canon Joe is remembered for his kindness and commitment supporting people in their challenging moments and making many friends among the parishioners.

Following his retirement Canon Finan initially went to live at Mount St Joseph’s Home in Leeds before returning to Ireland to live at the Sacred Heart Residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor, in Dublin. He died, aged 88, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, 11^th February.

May he rest in peace.

Catholic Care Community Response Service

In response to the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Catholic Care have launched a Community Response Service to support those in our Catholic communities who are sick, self-isolating, have been adversely financially impacted or are finding it difficult to cope.

The service will be available Monday – Friday, 8-6pm
A team of Catholic Care workers (we may expand later to incorporate volunteers) will be available to support parishioners and families in a number of ways:

• A telephone support service. This service will provide a listening ear and a friendly voice for those experiencing isolation in their community.
• A pick up and drop off groceries and pharmacy service.
• A dog walking service

• A hamper delivery service for those experiencing financial hardship.
Please contact us on 07739975001 or 7739975008 or 07739975009 or email janet.kent@catholic-care.org.uk or Jessica.price@catholic-care.org.uk if you would like to access this service or you would like to refer a person in your Parish or school community.