Monsignor Sidney Francis Breen
1914 - 2007

Our much loved friend and past Parish Priest Monsignor Breen died in the early hours of Sunday 4th February. He was our Parish Priest from 1975 until his retirement in 1997, and during that time he endeared himself to all. His sermons were remarkable for both their intellect and their ability to reach out to everyone. In his later years up to his death he devoted his life to looking after his two sisters, Norah & Phyllis, the latter dying only a few months ago.

He was born on 31st January 1914 in Liverpool, the son of Philip and Ann Breen. His early education was at Mount Pleasant Convent. He studied for the priesthood at Upholland and Ushaw Colleges, and was ordained to the priesthood on 18th May 1940 at Upholland.

His first appointment was to St Oswald's, Ashton in Makerfield and from September 1942 to July 1972 he held various positions at Upholland culminating in being rector. On leaving Upholland in 1972, he was appointed Parish Priest of St Paul's, West Derby. In 1975 the Archbishop thought he should have a less stressful life, and to our good fortune, appointed him to Little Crosby where he became our rock and friend.

May He Rest in Peace

Welcome to our web site. We are only a small parish just outside Liverpool, but one with a very big history. Share this with us, and have a look around our site by clicking on the various topics on the menu bar on the left.

If you are ever in our area, do come and look around our lovely church, and better still, celebrate Mass with us.

We have a new Parish Priest, Father Dunstan Harrigton, who is also the P.P. of St William of York in Thornton. This unfortunately is the way things are going, with the dire shortage of priests, and Father Dunstan has been tremendously understanding of the needs of Little Crosby, and we wish him welcome. Details of the varied Mass times are shown below.

Father James Clarkson has now retired, and we wish him every peace and happiness. The parishioners gave him a grand send off on Sunday 14th of January at which he gave a very humorous reply. He has a comfortable apartment at Ince Blundell. So, God Bless, and many thanks.

The following are the USUAL Mass times at both St Mary's & St William of York, Thornton, but please check by telephone : 0151 931 4993