26th July 2026

26th July 2026

Today, the church congregation of St. Augustine of Hippo Church said their final farewell to Fr. Adrian after he officiated at his very last Sunday Parish Mass service this morning. Fr. Adrian was handed a photograph of himself standing next to the high altar with the inscription ‘Fr. Adrian Mason celebrating 45 years of ordination, St Augustine's Church, Grimsby, 28/06/2026.’

It is with deepest thanks, and also a tinge of sadness that we hold him and Maria in our prayers.

As a number of our church members are away on holiday at the moment, our official farewell took place after the Parish Mass on 12th July. A buffet was shared by the congregation as Fr. Adrian and Maria were thanked for their tremendous support and inspiration during their time at St. Augustine’s. During the buffet Fr. Adrian and Maria were presented with three gifts - two framed photos, one of them with the Church Wardens and members of the congregation, and the other of the Nave Altar with the High Altar in the background. A cheque was also presented so they could buy something of their own choosing.

During his time with us, Fr. Adrian not only offered us wonderful spiritual guidance, but his hard work and encouragement pulled the congregation together, after what was a long interregnum period before his appointment. Furthermore, Maria edited a superb Church magazine for almost every month that they were with us.

New members of the congregation have been welcomed and their talents recognised. We are confident this will continue with the guidance of visiting priests Fr. Terry, Fr Geoffrey and Fr. Andy.

We will miss Fr. Adrian and Maria enormously as they leave us with our love and prayers.