Father Matthew Burns M.A. DIP.ED joined us in September 1999 shortly after the departure of Father Gordon Beattie. 

Father Matthew was our first Parish Priest not to live in the Presbytery but to reside with the other Monks at St Benedict's Monastery  in Bamber Bridge.

During his time with us Father Matthew oversaw the refurbishment of our Narthex and in doing so helped create a new Piety Shop, refreshment area, meeting room and toilets.

Father Matthew moved back to Ampleforth in August 2003.