Profiles

Hoyles Lane, Cottam, Preston, PR4 0NB ─ Tel: 01772726166 ─ Lancaster RC Diocesan Trustees Reg. Charity No. 234331

Profiles of Fr Adrian J Towers and Rev John Cliffe

Father Adrian J Towers was ordained priest on 14th November, 1981, by Bishop B Foley at SS Mary and Michael’s, Garstang.

Before taking up his appointment at Cottam in September, 2003, Fr Adrian previously served as Assistant Priest at St Joseph’s, Preston, and St Clare’s, Preston, (where he was also chaplain to the Royal Preston Hospital) and as Parish Priest of St Wulstan’s, Fleetwood. Since Advent 2009 he has also been Priest in Charge of St Mary’s, Lea Town.

Fr Adrian has degrees in Theology from Durham University and Moral Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. He taught for several years at St Joseph’s College, Upholland, and at St Cuthbert’s College, Ushaw (major seminary and college of Durham University), where he was Lecturer in Moral Theology. In addition to being a parish priest, Fr Adrian also chairs the Diaconate Formation Team in the Diocese of Lancaster.

Fr Adrian is a member of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain, and of the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Rev John Cliffe, a Prestonian, was ordained deacon by bishop Michael Campbell, O.S.A., at St Andrew's on Wednesday, 16th July, 2008.

John has been married to his wife, Julie, for 38 years, they have three children - Eileen, Mike and Victoria - and five grandchildren.

John, who still works part time, is a member of the Knights of St. Columba, a member of the Lancaster Lourdes committee and he is chaplain to the S.V.P society. He is also vice chairperson of Our Lady's Catholic High School, a member

of St. Andrews finance committee and a former chair of the social and fundraising committee.

The pastoral work John is involved in as a deacon is visiting sick and housebound people and those in nursing homes.

John has also set-up and is now running a baptism instruction course.

It was when John was in Lourdes a few years ago that he first thought about becoming a deacon and that is why he felt compelled to go back immediately after his ordination to offer his thanks. John regards Lourdes as being a very special place indeed.

Pictures from Rev John Cliffe's ordination - plus a video clip - can be seen here ►