Long serving Catholic priest takes a back seat at St Mary's, Barnard Castle

A LONG-SERVING priest is to take a more back seat role on the road to retirement.
Father Wilfrid Elkin has served St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Barnard Castle, for the past 16 years.
But the 81-year-old has now stood down from taking daily mass and is handing on most of his duties to Father Ian Grieves, priest in charge at St Osmund’s, in Gainford.
The chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, John Crabbe, paid tribute to Fr Elkin’s “phenomenal” tenure.
He said: “His service to the church and the diocese has been fantastic.
“Over the years he’s been a wonderful example to everyone and his life is an example of dedication to god.”
Fr Elkin said his successor was now “the boss” and happily recalled his time in charge.
He added: “I just enjoy being here – it’s a great place for a person to be. It’s a lovely town with lovely countryside and the people are great.
“I’m sure the people will be glad to read that but it’s true.”
Born in Dunston, near Gateshead, Fr Elkin trained as a priest at Ushaw College before looking after the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
His successor, Fr Grieves, became a member of the Ordinariate in 2011 – a body set up by former Pope Benedict XVI to allow Anglicans into full communion.
He led more than 60 Anglicans to the Catholic Church, in Gainford, from St James the Great Church, in Darlington, after becoming disillusioned with the Church of England.
Mr Crabbe said he’d got to know Fr Grieves very well.
He added: “He is a great pastor – he has a great enthusiasm for convert and an enthusiasm which is quite infectious.”
Fr Grieves said he’d been made very welcome by Fr Elkin over the past five years and was looking forward to his new role in Barnard Castle.
The 60-year-old added: “I’m carrying on at Gainford and helping out in Darlington when called upon.
“In a funny way there are so many more demands on our time – people get the impression we don’t do much in the week.
“Our lives are getting busier and it can be a bit overwhelming but it’s a great joy to be a part of people's lives.
“We are always there at the most significant points in people’s lives – it’s very rewarding.”
Fr Elkin will continue holding Latin Mass on Sundays while Fr Grieves will take over daily mass at the church.
For more information, call Fr Grieves on 01325 730191.