Parishioners’ sadness over priest’s death

A well respected Catholic priest who spent much of his career in Sunderland has died at the age of 57.

Canon Michael McCoy died on Saturday. Details of his passing are yet to be released, but the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the diocese which includes Sunderland, confirmed the news on the the diocese’s website.

Ordained into the priesthood in September 1989, for some years Canon McCoy was priest at parishes including St Benet’s in Monkwearmouth, St Anne’s in Penny well and St Joseph’s in Millfield where he conducted countless masses, weddings and funerals. He latterly served as canon at St Mary’s Cathedral in the centre of Newcastle.

Bishop Robert Byrne said: “It is with a sense of deep shock and sadness that I have to inform you that Canon Michael McCoy died yesterday morning. This is a time of great grief for Canon Michael’s family, his friends, his parishioners and for our whole diocese. I would ask you to pray for the repose of his soul, and also to keep his family in your prayers and at this most difficult time.” Father Marc Lyden Smith, parish priest at Houghton and Seaham Harbour shared the ‘ desperately sad’ news on social media.

One person responded: “What a fabulous, caring and amazing man, friend and priest ... Fr Michael McCoy, you were one in a million!”

Another said: “So sad to hear that Fr Micheal has passed away. He was such a beautiful priest and will be a tremendous loss. May God bless him and welcome him into his loving arms.”

Canon McCoy’s funeral details have not been released.