The parish is served by a team of two priests and a deacon. They also work closely with different groups of lay people so that together the parish can be a vibrant sign of Christ’s presence in the world.
Father Mark Moran
Parish Priest
My name is Fr. Mark Moran. I was born in Fazakerley in 1972, the youngest of 5 children to Joan and Billy Moran. I was educated in Holy Name School and then Archbishop Beck Catholic High School in Aintree. At the age of 19, I entered St. Cuthbert’s Seminary at Ushaw and was ordained in 1997 by Archbishop Patrick Kelly at my home parish, Holy Name.
During my priesthood I have served as hospital chaplain, school chaplain and I was Parish Priest of St. Margaret Mary’s in Liverpool for 14 years. In all my appointments I have been very happy and blessed by the honour of being involved in people’s lives and sharing their story.
I spend free time with my family and my friends; just being with them energises me and keeps me focussed! I enjoy holidays to hot places, but I am not a natural explorer, a pool, a cool drink and I am happy!
The joy of being a priest has always been present and as I continue to journey into priesthood, I pray that I may never lose that gift of joy, of friendship, of kindness and fun.
Father Peter F. Ross
Assistant Priest
I am Father Peter Ross, a native of Liverpool and adopted Widnesian!
I am a ‘brand new’ priest from Saint Margaret Mary’s in Knotty Ash, which is incidentally one of Father Mark Moran's former parishes. Back in Knotty Ash, I have my Mum, Dad and my two younger brothers. We are close knit, and I value them immensely. I’ve felt drawn to the priesthood since I was a little boy. However, it was during my teenage years that I began to discern a calling to the priesthood. Upon completing my time at University, I applied for seminary and was sent to Valladolid, Spain, for an introductory year of formation. After my year in Spain, I was then sent to Oscott College, Birmingham, where I remained for six years of formation, culminating in my priestly ordination in July 2024.
In my spare time I enjoy 'Church Crawling' and long walks in the country. One of my all time aims is to visit every Cathedral in the UK and I'm making good progress, as I've only a few left to see.
I am delighted to be in Widnes, serving as Assistant Priest.
Reverend Paul Rooney
Parish Deacon
I was born in Liverpool and married Jane in 1996. We have one daughter called Niamh and a son, Caolan. Jane and Caolan serve in our parish in various roles. I was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2019 after four years of formation.
The permanent diaconate is a ministry in today’s Church that is far reaching. Working under the Archbishop and alongside our parish priest, I serve the Church through the threefold ministry of the Word, Altar and Charity. This is expressed not only by assisting at Holy Mass but also through the celebration of baptism and marriage, leading funeral services, by preaching and by helping the most vulnerable members of the community.
As well as serving in our parish, I am the Assistant Director for the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese and Liverpool, Vice Chair of Northern Diaconal Formation Partnership, a member of the National Executive for the Permanent Diaconate in England and Wales, Chair of the Archdiocese of Liverpool Council of Deacons, a member of the Management Committee of Animate which is the Liverpool Archdiocese Youth Ministry initiative, a member of the Archdiocesan Commission for Dialogue and Unity and a member of the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission Environment Subgroup. I also serve as the Archbishop's Trustee and Board Member of Nugent and I am a trustee and patrol leader for St Helens Street Pastors.
I combine my diaconal ministry with work at Liverpool Hope University as a senior academic in environmental geography specialising in coastal dune ecology and geomorphology. Uniquely in European higher education, the university has an ecumenical tradition. As a scientist and deacon, I am a member of the Society of Catholic Scientists and the ecumenical Society of Ordained Scientists. I am a keen gardener and supporter of Liverpool FC.