FORMER parish priest Father Peter Crowther is the new chaplain of St Joseph's RC High School, Horwich.

Father Crowther, who already spends hours looking after the sick and their families as a hospital chaplain, says that at St Joseph's he aims to get to know all pupils, staff and parents and hopes to foster feelings of spirituality throughout the school.

He says he also wants to offer himself as a friend to talk to and be available for counselling.

Fr Crowther has been a priest for 27 years. After training for the priesthood in Rome he was ordained in Southport, and served as a parish priest for many years at St Joseph's, Anderton.

A former teacher - having taught at primary schools, as well as Greek and Latin in high schools and special needs - he believes he is well qualified for his new role.

"I hope to stay here and build up a greater sense of friendship with everyone, so they feel that if they are in trouble they would know that I was there to talk to in confidence," said Fr Crowther.

The appointment is a new initiative for the school following an approach by head teacher Leo Conley and will run initially until Christmas.

The chaplain's duties in school will include class and year Masses, private discussions, assemblies, contributing to lessons, helping to organise retreats, fundraising activities and the liturgy. He will also be joining pupils on school outings. At Christmas he will be involved in carol services and Advent preparations.

Fr Crowther is already a familiar figure around the school, having being a regular visitor in the past. He has always been interested in youth work but as a parish priest had to divide his time among all his parish duties.

At the moment he is working part time at the school and for the rest of the time is based at Billinge Hospital.

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