Diocese celebrates ordinations of two new priests
Saturday 27th September 2025A double celebration was in store for our diocese today as we witnessed the ordination of two new priests.
Hundreds of people from across the diocese and beyond gathered in St Luke’s Church in Salford to celebrate the priestly ordination of Paul Chisnall and Theo Sharrock.
Taking place on Saturday 27 September, the event was attended by family, friends, and clergy of the diocese, as well as parishioners from Our Lady of Hope (Salford) and The Good Samaritan (Burnley), where our new priests have been serving as transitional deacons.
This solemn rite began with diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Mark Paver, presenting the two men to Bishop John for ordination.
Bishop John welcomed Fr Paul and Fr Theo to the brotherhood of the priesthood, thanking them for their generosity in giving themselves in service to our diocese.
During his homily, Bishop John reflected on today as just the very start of a journey; a journey that would require continuous formation in an increasingly secular world that is facing so many challenges.
He said: “The way we are asked to be priests will change and will keep on changing. For that reason, it is important that we are always open to learning and then you will accomplish so much during your priesthood.”
Bishop John reminded them that this learning comes from being a living, active part of the community they serve. Recalling a reflection from the late Pope Francis, he advised that a priest must lead from the front by setting an example; they must accompany those they serve and take on “the smell of the sheep” by living as one of them; and they must be at the back, ensuring noone is left behind.
He said: “I hope the priesthood will be truly fulfilling for you. And in these synodal days, it is important that we brother priests must be open to each other, listening, learning, and working together.
“And I invite all of you to pray for our two new priests – and to pray for us all. We are all missionary disciples and in this year of hope, we remember that we live in hope and look to a better world in which we care for our common home and each of our brothers and sisters.”
Following the homily, the two men made a vow of obedience to the bishop before lying prostrate on the ground as a powerful display of their total dependence on God.
This striking gesture was accompanied by a beautiful moment of prayer, as clergy and congregation raised their voices to sing the Litany of the Saints, praying for the intercession of all holy men and women of God as our new priests begin their ministry.
After Bishop John prayed the Prayer of Consecration, our priests were vested by Fr Simon Firth and Fr Francis Wadsworth and presented with a paten and chalice before all clergy welcomed their new brother priests with the traditional Fraternal Kiss.
Mass was followed in the traditional way, with our newly-ordained priests offering blessings to those who came to celebrate this joyful occasion for our whole diocese.
Fr Paul will now continue his ministry at the parish of Our Lady of Hope in Salford, while Fr Theo returns to the Parish of The Good Samaritan in Burnley to carry out his service in the north of our diocese.
We wish Fr Paul and Fr Theo the very best as they embark on this blessed new chapter and invite you to remember them in your prayers.
Vocations to the Priesthood
In light of this happy celebration, we also invite you to pray for the future of the priesthood in our diocese. We ask Jesus – our High Priest – that more men may hear and answer God’s call to priestly life.
To find out more about the priesthood in our diocese, or to speak to a member of our vocations team, please click here.
