Archbishop John Sherrington has appointed Fr John McLoughlin as the new director of the permanent diaconate following the resignation of Canon Chris Fallon.

Fr John, who is also the parish priest of St Stephen, First Martyr, in Warrington, began his new role on 1 September.

He will be responsible for overseeing the permanent diaconate, including supporting those already ordained, those in formation and those who are discerning their call.

Fr Chris offered his resignation after a period of reflection and discernment about his current priorities.

He said: “I took this decision after much discernment about my current and likely future energy levels, and about the strength of the team looking after the diaconate, both here in the archdiocese and in the Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership.

“I am delighted to be handing over the role to Fr John, a friend over many years who brings great gifts to this role. He has always been supportive of the diaconate and I’m sure he will bring fresh energy to the role.”

Fr John will bring a wealth of experience to the role, having among other things been a tutor on the Liverpool diaconate programme and has also been involved with pastoral formation and ongoing formation for priests.

On his new role, he added: “Even with a wealth of experience in other areas of pastoral ministry and evangelisation, it is always daunting taking on a new role.

“But with the help of the Holy Spirit, I hope to follow the example of my predecessors Mgr Hunt and Canon Chris and continue to guide, support and encourage our deacons and their families, our management team, tutors and many helpers, and our aspirants in their formation and training.”