Sunderland AFC chaplain will still be in 'solid red and white territory' as he prepares to leave city

Father Marc Lyden-Smith, who has been in charge of St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Sunderland city centre, for the last six years, is moving to become parish priest of both St Michael’s Church, in Houghton, and St Mary Magdalen Church, in Seaham Harbour.

He will also take on the additional roles of Dean of the St Mary the Virgin Partnership and as the Bishop’s Advisor for Dialogue and Unity.

But the devout Sunderland football fan will retain his position as club chaplain for the foreseeable future.

Father Marc, 38, who is originally from Hebburn, said: “I am very sorry to be leaving but at least it is not too far and I will still be living in solid red and white territory.”

He will move to live in Seaham in September and said in a Facebook message to his current parishioners: “It will be a huge wrench to leave Sunderland, a place I have come to love and call home.

"A place with wonderful people in this very special parish made up of St Mary’s, St Cecilia’s, the convent and the university.

“Thank you all for your love, kindness, prayers and huge amount of support that you have given to me during the last few years.

“New wonderful priests are coming to the parish in November.”

Father Marc will be replaced by Father Christopher Hancock, who is originally from Wales, with assistance from Father Emmanuel Nuhmbeth, who is from Kenya, and Father Philip Adede, who is from Cameroon.

Current social distancing rules mean it is unlikely that there will be a full farewell celebration for him at St Mary’s before he departs and he added: “I may have to come back to say goodbye.”

The church has resumed its 12.05pm daily weekday masses although Sunday services have still to return.

Father Marc said: “St Mary’s Church has a capacity of 82 at the moment and I do not want to disappoint people because they would have to book in.

"At the moment we are live streaming mass and getting 2,000 people a week taking part.”

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