HASLEMERE, Hindhead and Chiddingfold Catholics have a new parish priest, following the departure of Father Chris Bergin who was recently appointed to run the parish in Bognor Regis,

Father Fergal McGuinness moved into the priest’s house in Weydown Road, Haslemere last month (September).

Although now serving in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton he is officially on loan to Britain from the Diocese of Santa Rosa, California.

One of five children, born and brought up in Dublin, Father Fergal decided to become a priest and joined the seminary straight from secondary school. In those days, newly ordained priests were sent to minister in all parts of the world and so, in 1986 at the age of 24, he found himself serving in California where he spent the next 30 years.

During that time he took a master’s degree in education and taught at three secondary schools, the last being in the Napa Valley.

He also studied church law in Rome and was appointed to run the diocesan tribunal dealing mainly with marriage annulments.

With a sister in Croydon now the full-time carer for their elderly mother, he decided to join her in England where he could offer his support.

Father Fergal (left) said he is happy to be assigned to Haslemere and for the first time in 25 years will be able to concentrate entirely on parish affairs and focus on parish work.

He has already become involved with HAMNET (the Haslemere Area Ministry Network) and is now looking forward to working on ecumenical projects with clergy from the other churches in the area.

His hobbies include listening to music, reading on historical subjects, photography and travelling.