Fr Paul Keane
I was born in Whitechapel, East London, and throughout my childhood and young adulthood, I lived in the Parish of Our Lady of Compassion, Upton Park. After reading history at Cambridge University, I studied for the priesthood at The Venerable English College in Rome. I was ordained a priest in 2003 and worked in three parishes as an Assistant Priest: St Thomas of Canterbury’s, Grays; St Antony’s, Forest Gate; and the Cathedral Parish, Brentwood.
Since October 2009, it has been my privilege to be the Parish Priest of St Sabina’s, Brightlingsea, with St Monica’s, Wivenhoe, as well as the Catholic Chaplain at the University of Essex. It is my prayer that our parish family will continue to grow in Christ and in our service to others.
Deacon Roger Crow
I was ordained to the Sacred order of Deacons by Bishop Thomas McMahon in the parish church of St. Sabina, Brightlingsea on Saturday 20th June 2009. This followed 3 years of studies with the Archdiocese of Southwark permanent diaconate formation programme based upon St. John’s Seminary, Wonersh in Surrey. Though born in Essex, I spent most of my formative years in Hertfordshire, and was educated at Cheshunt Grammar School. During that period my family was active within their local Anglican parish of All Saints, Hockerill; my elder brother being ordained priest in the Anglican diocese of St. Albans. I met my future wife, Josephine, at All Saints Youth Club and we were married in our parish church by Fr Michael Crow in August 1965. Having worked in insurance in the City of London, and in south London as a member of the Metropolitan Police, I later embarked upon a career in the British Army and it was during this time that I felt drawn towards the Roman Catholic Church and Josephine and myself were received into the Church at Easter 1972. We have 2 sons; Timothy who lives in Perth, Western Australia, and Jéréme, who lives in Dover, Kent and three grandchildren. We have lived in Brightlingsea since May 1998 when I retired as a weapons staff officer in the Ministry of Defence. Until my ordination I had served as a Pastoral Assistant for 6 years.
T: 01206 306135
Adele Angel - Pastoral Assistant
I have attended St. Monica’s Church since 1979. I was commissioned as a pastoral assistant in 2006. I enjoy working with the youth of our parish and our deanery. I am a part time technician in a molecular oncology laboratory at the University of Essex.
T: 07999 842057
Jean Darlington - Pastoral Assistant
I am a retired Secondary Schoolteacher. I lived in Wivenhoe for many years before moving to Alresford where I now live with my husband and one of my sons. I was commissioned as a Pastoral Assistant in 2004 and recommissioned in 2007 and again in 2010. I am involved in various activities at St Monica's and feel privileged and enjoy working with fellow parishioners.
T: 01206 825580