St Mary's is open to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds. We lead our congregation in worship, deepening the connection to God, understanding the teachings of Christ, and ultimately to a vibrant faith. We have a long, proud history of serving the people of Fleetwood. Through the dedication of our leadership and our volunteers, we are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are here to spread His message. Contact us today to find out more about becoming part of the St Mary's community.
Fr. Michael Murphy
I was born in the former Milton Lodge Maternity Home just behind the Mount (now Milton Lodge Residential Home). For most of my childhood, I attended St Wulstan’s church here in Fleetwood and went to St Wulstan’s Catholic primary school. Aged eleven, I went to the former Diocesan Junior Seminary at Underley Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale. Most of my major seminary training was at the Venerable English College in Rome. I was ordained priest in my home parish of St Wulstan’s on the Feast of St Mary Magdalen, 22nd. July, 1978.
As a priest, I served in the parishes of Sts. Mary & Michael, Garstang (for three years) and St Mary of Furness, Barrow-in-Furness (for five years) as assistant priest. After five years as Catholic chaplain to the University of Lancaster, I studied for a degree in Law, graduating from Leicester University in 1994.
For fifteen years, I served the parish of St Augustine of Canterbury, Preston, as assistant priest for three years and as parish priest for twelve. In 2009, I moved to the parish of Our Lady & St Joseph, Carlisle, and, in 2011, I moved to the parish of St Cuthbert, Wigton. I came here, to the parish of St Mary, Fleetwood, in 2013.
My late mother, Rose, was baptised here at St. Mary’s and my maternal grandparents were married here. On that side of the family, my connection with this parish and its beautiful church goes back through the generations. I can only say that I am thoroughly delighted to be back “home” and to be amongst “my own”. May God bless and make fruitful the time that I spend here.
St Mary's currently has an unloved appearance resulting from prolonged periods of inadequate maintenance to both the external and internal structures.
Historically, repairs and decoration have not always conformed to the strict requirements of Grade II listed buildings and our aim now is to correct this with an intensive programme of restoration.
These are exciting times and we hope the community will give their backing to this venture. We will be announcing various fundraising activities over the next few months and look forward to your support.
For further details see the dedicated page on Restoration here
Parish Priest
Music Group Leader
Finance
Social Media Lead
Pastoral Parish Council Leader
Restoration and Health & Safety Lead
Safeguarding Reps
Fundraising Lead
