Fr. Dick Cass

1973 ~ 1999

Father Dick Cass was born at Newton, Kells, Co. Kilkenny on 10th September, 1930. He studied for the priesthood at St. Kieran's Seminary and was one of the thirty priests ordained in St. Mary's Cathedral on 6th June 1954 by Bishop Collier.

On his arrival in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese he first served at St. Patrick's, Consett and thereafter at St. Joseph's, Murton, Holy Rosary, South Shields and after four years with the Apostleship of the Sea was appointed to St. Edward's, Whitley Bay, where he served until his death on 4th June, 1999 - the eve of his forty fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Father Dick could well be described as a "character". Renowned for his practical jokes, wit and humour, he was, when required, a light in the darkness, an oasis in the desert. To say he was always ordinary, natural, humble, sincere and free from pretence is an accurate description of the man.

The Mass was central to Father Dick's life. Indeed it was a microcosm of his whole life. His love for the Eucharist and the Word of God, which he reflected upon daily and proclaimed at every Mass with power and love, impacted on his life and on the lives of his parishoners in a remarkable way. His was a spirituality of wholeness. It was never compartmentalised. For him, "earth was crammed with heaven and every common bush on fire with God" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning).

He believed in his heart - and said so the night before he died - that a person gave as much glory to God enjoying a good steak, playing a round of golf, attending a race meeting or singing at a concert as when at prayer.

Father Dick will be greatly missed by his brother Father Tom to whom he was very close, by his brother priests and all who knew him.

The Catholic Community of St. Edward's, Whitley Bay is a powerful testimony and a living memorial to an outstanding priest.

May he rest in peace.

Rev. Bill O'Gorman.

Fr Cass's Curates during his Spitual duties at St Edward's were as follows
Fr Burke
Fr Shaw
Fr Morrisey
Fr McQue