Category Archives: Parish Pastoral Council

PPC Members

PEN PORTRAITS

TONY SACCO

A member of St Mary’s Parish for over 20 years, I currently enjoy being a reader, member of the Children’s Liturgy Team and of the ‘Gift for Life’ Group – not to mention the tea rota. In my ‘day job’ I work for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle on the Forward Together in Hope programme. If I had any spare time it would be spent on walking, photography and (reluctant) gardening.
CHRIS HALEY

I go to Immaculate Heart, mainly though living in Rowlands Gill St Anne’s Winlaton is SO much easier! I run a couple of companies and when I’m not working I’m either in front of the TV or in the gym – while I’m still able! Long time sufferer to the black and white cause and father of 2 daughters.

KATIE WILKINSON

I’m a ‘cradle Catholic’, beginning my life in St Patrick’s Felling, currently I attend St Philip Neri – which I have done for the past 11 years. Within the Parish I help out by being a reader, extraordinary minister, occasional welcomer and governor at St Philip’s Primary; all tasks which I thoroughly enjoy and also feel very privileged and humbled to do.
I’m married with three grown children and one, soon to be two, grandchildren (the reward for being a parent). I regularly attend the gym, enjoy walking and caravanning.

JOANNE HAYES

Parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary. I’m involved in the choir, I’m a reader and an extraordinary minister. I’m passionate about the youth in our parishes and how we engage with them. I work full time as a retail manager as well as being married with one son. In my spare time I try to keep fit by power walking. Currently I’m in training for my first great north run!

JANICE HALL

I have lived in the parish of St Mary’s for over thirty years and my children attended St Mary’s Primary and St Thomas More High School.
Although now retired I was a librarian for forty two years with Newcastle City Libraries. I still have a great interest in books and enjoy the lively discussions with friends in my local reading group.
Having a particular interest in books for children I chair the Northern Children’s Book Festival and as a governor of a local Primary School I enjoy listening to children read and sharing their love of books. I also share this enthusiasm with my two granddaughters who live in Newcastle and two who live in the USA.
PHIL CUNNINGHAM

I am a parishioner at St Mary’s Whickham. Happily retired after 36 years working in Catholic Education. Married to Kathleen with one son, John and two grandchildren, Lily and Joshua. Member of the Diocesan Choir and a keen gardener.
MALCOLM SHIELD

Parishioner St Mary’s. I’m presently Head of the Joint Parish Finance committee and also a member of the Hall committee for the 3 Parishes.
For work (or my sins, depending on your point of view) I’m an Accountant and outside of that I enjoyed team sports, especially Ice Hockey and Football and travelling.”

MAVEEN PEREIRA

Parishioner at Immaculate Heart, Lobley Hill, I am a development professional of Indian origin with over 35 years experience of working with vulnerable groups in South Asia. I am passionate about bringing about positive change in communities through my faith and hard work. I currently work with Traidcraft, a fair trade charity in the Team Valley managing our overseas programme in South Asia. I have a wonderful family with two children growing into fine young adults. My life is truly blessed on every front, but am always open to a different challenge.

DAVID KHACHIKIAN

Parishioner at St Mary’s Whickham. As a member of the Parish Pastoral Council I am interested in the Youth and their involvement in our parishes and across the Diocese. I am a father of two and a secondary teacher of French and Italian. My interests include Star Wars, anime and comedy TV programs. If you ever want to talk (about anything), I normally attend Mass at St. Mary’s, Whickham

JOE WHEATLEY

I’ve been a member of the St Mary’s school and parish community for over six years now after having joined St Mary’s as a (fairly) fresh-faced Newly-Qualified Teacher in my first teaching post. An adopted Geordie, I originate from sunny Stoke-on-Trent, and came to rest in Gateshead by way of Edinburgh, where I studied for five years, and more importantly, met my wife Helen. Now a father of two beautiful children, and Headteacher to over two hundred more, I spend what little free time I have in the garden, playing or seeing live music, keeping abreast of the trials and tribulations of Stoke City FC, or brewing my own craft ale (not for the faint-hearted!).