The parish was saddened to hear of the death of our past parish priest, Canon Pat Hartnett, last night (Thursday, July 25th).
Canon Pat passed away peacefully at Boarbank Hall Nursing Home, Grange-over-Sands, where the sisters had been caring for him during his illness.
Canon Pat was born in Middlesbrough, where his Dublin-born father had come to play football for Middlesbrough FC.
He trained for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Thurles, Tipperary, Ireland, before being ordained at St Joseph’s Church, Middlesbrough, on June 15 1979.
He then ministered at many parishes, including St Thérèse of Lisieux, where he was instrumental in building our church.
He also held prominent roles in the diocese, including Episcopal Vicar for Worship and Spirituality.
Canon Pat will be received at All Saint’s Church, Thirsk, at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 19, by Canon David Grant, who will also celebrate a Mass that evening.
His Requiem Mass will be held at noon on Tuesday, August 20th, at St Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough.
After the mass, a burial will be at Acklam Cemetery, Middlesbrough.
The family would be delighted if you could join them at The Blue Bell Hotel, Acklam, Middlesbrough, afterward for some light refreshments and an opportunity to celebrate Canon Pat’s life.
Canon Pat specifically requested that everyone wear their normal clothes and not wear black and white, please.
He also requested that family flowers only be used for his coffin. He asked that if anyone wanted to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the beneficiary would be The Lourdes Sick Fund, which was a charity very close to his heart.
For those who cannot attend the Funeral Mass at the Cathedral, it will be live-streamed on YouTube.
There is also a link for All Saints Church in Thirsk for the Monday night
Please keep Canon Pat and his family in your prayers.
