Shepherds among the people

The Diocese of Lancaster is led by Bishop Paul Swarbrick, supported by clergy, religious, and lay leaders who serve in a spirit of humility and mission. Our leadership is committed to faithful governance, pastoral care, and the spiritual growth of every parish and person. Here you can meet those entrusted with this responsibility and learn how leadership is lived out across the diocese.

Our Bishop

Meet Bishop Paul

Born in Garstang and ordained to the priesthood in 1982, Bishop Paul has served in parishes across the Diocese and spent time as a missionary priest in Zambia. As Bishop, he is the chief shepherd of the Diocese, responsible for teaching, sanctifying, and governing the people of God in this part of the Church. He leads with a heart for evangelisation, prayer, and pastoral care.

Our Curia

Supporting, serving, enabling.

The Curia is the administrative body that supports the Bishop in governing the Diocese. It includes clergy and lay professionals who oversee key areas such as finance, safeguarding, education, vocations, communications, and pastoral care. Their work ensures that diocesan structures serve the mission of the Church effectively and faithfully.

Curia
Clergy
Canon
Peter
Hart
Episcopal Vicar for Finance and Property
Department
Finance
Parishes
Parish
|
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Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Fr
Philip
Conner
Episcopal Vicar for Clergy
Department
Clergy Formation
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Fr
Christopher
Cousens
Episcopal Vicar for Religious
Department
Safeguarding
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Rev Canon
Michael
Docherty
Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Canon
Paul
Embery
Vicar General and Chancellor
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Fr
Sam
Ofia
Episcopal Vicar for Overseas Clergy
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Canon
Hugh
Pollock
Vicar General
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Fr
Richard
Simons
Episcopal Vicar for Religious
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Order of St Benedict
Status
Active

Curia
Clergy
Bishop
Paul
Swarbrick
Diocesan Bishop
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active

Our Trustees

Supporting, serving, enabling.

The Trustees assist the Bishop in safeguarding the charitable mission and good governance of the Diocese. They oversee financial decisions, legal responsibilities, and strategic planning to ensure the Diocese remains faithful to its purpose and accountable in its use of resources.

Curia
Clergy
Canon
Peter
Hart
Episcopal Vicar for Finance and Property
Department
Finance
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Paul
Briers
Trustee
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Martin
Callagher
Trustee
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Rev Canon
Michael
Docherty
Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Canon
Paul
Embery
Vicar General and Chancellor
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Sue
Greenwood
Trustee
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Bishop
Paul
Swarbrick
Diocesan Bishop
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Nikki
Wisdom
Trustee
Department
Safeguarding
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Curia
Clergy
Alan
Woowat
Trustee
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active