Oxford church gets first new priest for 64 years

Reverend James Cocke led All Saints’ Church in Headington for a mammoth 64 years, before retiring 18 months ago.

The Bishop of Oxford, Reverend Steven Croft, has now conducted a licensing ceremony to officially appoint Reverend Leon Catallo as the new priest at All Saints’.

The Bishop of Oxford, Reverend Steven Croft. Picture: Jon Lewis

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Church warden James Larminie said: “In the 18 months since the previous vicar took his last service and moved to Dorset for a very well-earned retirement, all churches have had to adapt and change to the unusual circumstances that Covid-19 has caused.

“For us, this has been especially so, being in a vacancy.

“Established members and several new members of the church have helped us develop positively in many ways, and we have enjoyed modest growth in the congregation even in these difficult times.

“We have been blessed with some excellent visiting preachers, among whom has been Leon, our new minister.

“So, Leon is no stranger to us, and he has been a good friend to us in various ways for a while.

“This adds to the joy we feel about his appointment.”

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Mr Catallo was ordained at Exeter Cathedral in 2015, and served his curacy in Plymouth.

Alongside his wife Charlotte and their daughter Elanor – who was born on Christmas Day in 2019 – the trio have been known to the All Saints’ congregation since arriving in Headington in 2018.

Mr Catallo has been associate minister at St Ebbe’s in Headington, and has degrees in both Natural Sciences and Theology.

He said: “It is a huge privilege and responsibility to minister at All Saints’ through such a significant period in its history.

“We’d like to thank the congregation and community for the warmest of welcomes that they’ve extended to us as a family.

“And also for their patience with little Elanor’s vociferous participation in worship.

“We are thrilled to be part of such a joyous, faithful and courageous church family.”

Reverend James Cocke in September 2015. Picture: Richard Cave

Dr Croft licensed Mr Catallo in a ceremony on Tuesday.

He said: “This is an exciting time for All Saints’ as Leon and his family join the community, continuing the legacy of Reverend Cocke, whilst also bringing fresh ideas and passion to the role.

“Leon’s three-year appointment as interim minister represents a significant investment in helping to address the pastoral and missional needs of the parish.

“I am sure that Leon will continue to build on the strong foundations laid by Reverend Cocke and I look forward to seeing and hearing all about the positive growth of the church in Headington.”