Golden Jubilee of the opening of the present church

Archbishop Kevin celebrated Mass on Sunday, 7th October 2007 at St Finbarr's Church, Aylesham, to commemorate the golden jubilee of the opening of the present church.

He was welcomed by Father Jeff Cridland, the Parish Priest and parishioners who spoke about the parish - past, present and future.

A packed congregation

After Mass, the Archbishop greets Mike Cullinane, Deputy Director of the Commission for Schools and Colleges

Mr Michael McDonald (right) spoke about the present in welcoming the Archbishop and Mr Russell Bramwell, a retired miner, spoke about the past.

Mr Russell Bramwell holds up the sancturary lamp which was formerly a miner's lamp. Snowden colliery, now closed, is in the parish.

Mrs Anne Rowe who spoke about the future in welcoming the Archbishop

Archbishop Kevin with parishioners after Mass

The sanctuary with the sanctuary lamp in place
 

Saint Finbarr's was started from Canterbury in 1930 by Canon Shepherd who was helped by Father J. O'Connell.

List of Parish Priests:

1930 - 1931	Father Peter O'Neill, first resident priest
1931 - 1941	Father John Riley
1941 - 1950	Father O'Friel
1950 - 1962	Father Jeremiah McCarthy
1962 - 1966	Father Tim Corcoran
1966 - 1974	Father David Sheehy
1974 - 1978	Father John Nevin
1978	Canonically erected as a parish 17th September 1978
1978 - 1981	Father Laurence Hobbs
1981 - 1995	Father John O'Callaghan
1995 - 2002	Father Bernard Winn
2002 - present	Father Jeff Cridland