A NEW Dean to lead Catholic priests in St Helens has been appointed.

Father Paul Harris, who is parish priest of Corpus Christi, in Rainford and St Mary’s, in Billinge, has taken on the position.

The appointment comes after Father Martin Kershaw stepped down as Dean of St Helens, a role he had held since 2020. 

The Dean's role is to lead, counsel and assist all the priests in the Deanery in their pastoral ministry.

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A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Liverpool said: “We can confirm recently Fr Martin Kershaw stepped down as Dean for the St Helens Deanery.

"After a consultation process with the Clergy, the Archbishop was delighted to appoint Fr Paul Harris of Corpus Christi, Rainford and St Mary’s, Billinge as the new Dean for the area.

"We wish him every prayer and good wish in his new role.”