OUR new parish priest has settled in well. Father Dunne was appointed parish priest on Tuesday, August 29.

St Patrick's, his former parish in Consett, was much larger than St Mary's.

He became a priest 29 years ago because a good friend went to college and Fr Dunne thought it a good idea and followed in his path.

His favourite things at St Mary's are the place and people, and he would also like younger people involved in the church.

When Fr Dunne was a boy he went to St Columbus primary in Wallsend, and then St Cuthbert's Grammar School in Newcastle.

His favourite lessons in school were French and Italian. His hobbies are walking and speaking Italian.

In his spare time he likes to to visit his friends.

Fr Dunne taught in a grammar school for 17 years. He has been in St Mary's parish since the beginning of September and we look forward to him being with us for a long time.

By Daniel, Jonathan, Michael, Anthony, Marie and David