Tenth Parish Priest and first member of the Cathedral Chapter.
Francis was born in Coventry in 1925 and educated at Oscott and Cambridge. He was ordained in 1950. Before becoming Parish Priest of Longton he had been a Teacher, Vocations Director, Dean, Episcopal Vicar and a Parish Priest in rural or southern parts of the diocese.
He was made a Canon in 1989 and also edited the Diocesan Directory.
Despite Longton’s industrial image and having the new A50 constructed yards from the presbytery, Francis settled happily in the parish of 1400 souls and worked for 12 years without a curate.
He retired when he was 78 and died in 2009. He is buried at Oscott College.
During his short Ministry he:
Francis was born in Coventry in 1925 and educated at Oscott and Cambridge. He was ordained in 1950. Before becoming Parish Priest of Longton he had been a Teacher, Vocations Director, Dean, Episcopal Vicar and a Parish Priest in rural or southern parts of the diocese.
He was made a Canon in 1989 and also edited the Diocesan Directory.
Despite Longton’s industrial image and having the new A50 constructed yards from the presbytery, Francis settled happily in the parish of 1400 souls and worked for 12 years without a curate.
He retired when he was 78 and died in 2009. He is buried at Oscott College.
During his short Ministry he:
Erected a statue of St Gregory as a memorial to Fr Donnolly
Installed a much needed kitchen and meeting room.
Re roofed the Church.
Encouraged the formation of new parish societies; namely the Choir, team of Eucharistic Ministers, Ladies Guild, Youth Group and Parish Committee.
Prepared for the millennium by redecorating the church, installing carpet and also a new organ. He also held the first Parish Mission for 40 years in 1998.
He introduced and produced a popular item known as ‘The Yellow Peril’, his weekly newsletter.
In his final edition he wrote: “Thank you for 12 of my happiest years. I would not have swopped for any parish in the whole Diocese. Honestly”
Installed a much needed kitchen and meeting room.
Re roofed the Church.
Encouraged the formation of new parish societies; namely the Choir, team of Eucharistic Ministers, Ladies Guild, Youth Group and Parish Committee.
Prepared for the millennium by redecorating the church, installing carpet and also a new organ. He also held the first Parish Mission for 40 years in 1998.
He introduced and produced a popular item known as ‘The Yellow Peril’, his weekly newsletter.
In his final edition he wrote: “Thank you for 12 of my happiest years. I would not have swopped for any parish in the whole Diocese. Honestly”
In 2004, Bishop Philip Pargeter wrote:
“Canon Grady taught at Cotton College, North Staffs for over twenty years. During that time for a number of years he was Housemaster of Challoner house and for nine years Master in charge of the junior school. As might well be imagined, he was a good and popular teacher, but at the same time he always managed to find the time to encourage the boys in such extra curricular activities as rugby, drama, music and public speaking. In addition to his full timetable for a great many years, the Canon acted as special preacher and encourager of vocations to the priesthood. Each weekend he would visit different parishes in the diocese begging for money on behalf of the Ecclesiastical Education Fund so that students could receive proper training for their studies at Cotton, Oscott or another of the major seminaries. In this week-end task over the years he proved himself a splendid Diocesan Pardoner. Back at Cotton, each Monday morning, he would delight his colleagues with his often amusing tales of parish life and at second hand give us the opportunity to experience his hardships- damp beds and insubstantial suppers to name but a few. In doing this extra work Canon Grady gave but one example of the exemplary service he has shown in fifty four years of active priestly ministry. As a younger colleague on cotton’s staff, I am grateful for the inspiration he gave me and wish him well in his well earned retirement”.
“Canon Grady taught at Cotton College, North Staffs for over twenty years. During that time for a number of years he was Housemaster of Challoner house and for nine years Master in charge of the junior school. As might well be imagined, he was a good and popular teacher, but at the same time he always managed to find the time to encourage the boys in such extra curricular activities as rugby, drama, music and public speaking. In addition to his full timetable for a great many years, the Canon acted as special preacher and encourager of vocations to the priesthood. Each weekend he would visit different parishes in the diocese begging for money on behalf of the Ecclesiastical Education Fund so that students could receive proper training for their studies at Cotton, Oscott or another of the major seminaries. In this week-end task over the years he proved himself a splendid Diocesan Pardoner. Back at Cotton, each Monday morning, he would delight his colleagues with his often amusing tales of parish life and at second hand give us the opportunity to experience his hardships- damp beds and insubstantial suppers to name but a few. In doing this extra work Canon Grady gave but one example of the exemplary service he has shown in fifty four years of active priestly ministry. As a younger colleague on cotton’s staff, I am grateful for the inspiration he gave me and wish him well in his well earned retirement”.
The Ballad of Canon F. Grady - an irreverent tribute to a reverend
T’was autumn time in Longton
When first Canon came to stay.
To guide St Gregory’s faithful
In following Heaven’s way.
Good Margaret was his mentor
Housekeeper, cook and friend.
And Rupert, his loyal Dalmation
Swift his master to defend.
Now Francis was much travelled
Of fatherly dignity known
A man of prayer and learning
And a melodious baritone.
The gloom and din of Longton
He faced with courage amazing
Growing a churchyard full of flowers
And installing double glazing.
Rallying choir and cleaners
He won support with skill
And warders, servers and readers
Were found to fit the bill.
Committee, Legion and Ladies guild
Responded to his call
And, with Eucharistic Ministers,
Were ‘Canonised’ one and all.
He valued every sheep and lamb
In his scattered Longton flock,
And wrote them a mighty missive
Given out each week en bloc.
In his awesome ‘Yellow Peril’
He championed many a cause
And, unafraid to speak his mind
Won victory and applause.
Parish life improved no end
with gatherings face to face,
and every November, a night to remember
St Cecilia's Concert too place.
In missions, meetings and admin
preaching, prayer and praise.
Editing the year's Directory
such was the rhythm of his days.
T'was early spring in Longton
when Canon said farewell.
And of his doings in the hills of Meir
there'll be a tale to tell.
Last seen driving a dog cart
piled high with assorted gear.
Brave Rupert galloping in front
while Margaret clung to the rear!
When first Canon came to stay.
To guide St Gregory’s faithful
In following Heaven’s way.
Good Margaret was his mentor
Housekeeper, cook and friend.
And Rupert, his loyal Dalmation
Swift his master to defend.
Now Francis was much travelled
Of fatherly dignity known
A man of prayer and learning
And a melodious baritone.
The gloom and din of Longton
He faced with courage amazing
Growing a churchyard full of flowers
And installing double glazing.
Rallying choir and cleaners
He won support with skill
And warders, servers and readers
Were found to fit the bill.
Committee, Legion and Ladies guild
Responded to his call
And, with Eucharistic Ministers,
Were ‘Canonised’ one and all.
He valued every sheep and lamb
In his scattered Longton flock,
And wrote them a mighty missive
Given out each week en bloc.
In his awesome ‘Yellow Peril’
He championed many a cause
And, unafraid to speak his mind
Won victory and applause.
Parish life improved no end
with gatherings face to face,
and every November, a night to remember
St Cecilia's Concert too place.
In missions, meetings and admin
preaching, prayer and praise.
Editing the year's Directory
such was the rhythm of his days.
T'was early spring in Longton
when Canon said farewell.
And of his doings in the hills of Meir
there'll be a tale to tell.
Last seen driving a dog cart
piled high with assorted gear.
Brave Rupert galloping in front
while Margaret clung to the rear!
These parishes are part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Registered Charity No. 234216
© 2018 All rights reserved.
© 2018 All rights reserved.