The Bishop’s Council serves the Bishop of Northampton in an advisory capacity as instructed in canon. 473. The Council comprises of the Vicar General and the three Episcopal Vicars. The council meets with Bishop David fortnightly to discuss matters arising from each of their areas of responsibility.
Rev. Canon Michael Harrison – Vicar General
Canon Michael Harrison grew up in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, where he attended St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and received his First Sacraments at All Saints Church. After studying business and working for the Lord Chancellor’s Department, he discerned his vocation to the priesthood, beginning his formation at St Mary’s College, Oscott, in 1984. He was ordained in 1990 at All Saints Church, Bletchley, by Bishop Leo McCartie. His early ministry included roles as assistant priest in Luton, Chaplain to Cardinal Newman School, and Youth Chaplain on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. He later served in various parishes across the Diocese, including Our Lady of Walsingham in Corby, St John Ogilvie’s in Corby, St Gregory the Great in Northampton, and St Anthony of Padua in Slough. In 2016, he became a Canon of the Chapter, Dean of the local Pastoral Area, and Director of Ongoing Formation of Clergy.
In 2021, Canon Michael was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Northampton by Bishop David. The role of the Vicar General, as defined by Canon Law (Can. 475–481), is to assist the Diocesan Bishop in the governance of the diocese. Acting with the authority of the Bishop, the Vicar General oversees the administration of pastoral and practical matters, ensuring diocesan policies and ecclesiastical laws are followed. He supports clergy, manages diocesan affairs, and represents the Bishop when needed, contributing to the effective functioning of the Diocese.
Rev Simon Penhalagan – Episcopal Vicar
Fr Simon was born in Hayes in 1965. He attained a BA (hons)degree from St Mary’s, Twickenham in History and Classical Studies followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance from Kent College for the Careers Service.
Father Simon has been a member of the Clareton Lay Community at Buckden Towers, Cambridgeshire leading youth retreats and more recently the SION Community for Evangelism. He has held many positions within the Sion Community and from 2010-2018 was President. Fr Simon was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 28th June 2008 at Northampton Cathedral and has been the Chairman of our diocesan youth ministry team, NYMO for the past eight years, whilst also being Assistant Priest at the Cathedral and since 2018, Parish Priest of St Martin De Porres in Luton.
Bishop David appointed Fr Simon as Episcopal Vicar for the Prophet Vicariate from September 2021.
Email: frsimonpenhalagan@northamptondiocese.org
Rev Christopher Perry – Episcopal Vicar
Fr Christopher was born in 1978 and raised in Cornwall, educated in a Church of England school but not baptised until he was 11 years old. He worshipped as an Anglican at Truro Cathedral. He studied Theology at Durham University and it was here that he considered becoming a Catholic. However, Fr Christopher returned to Cornwall where he was ordained an Anglican Priest working in a parish in Penzance for five years. Having got to know local clergy, Fr Christopher attended Catholic Mass regularly, had formal instruction and was received into the Catholic Church.
Fr Christopher was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in January 2013 following a year in Valladolid and his seminary training spent at Oscott College. Fr Christopher served as an Assistant Priest in Our Lady of Walsingham, Corby before taking up his appointment as Parish Priest of St Thomas Aquinas and All Saints, Bletchley in October 2013.
Bishop David has appointed Fr Christopher as Episcopal Vicar for the Servant King Vicariate from September 2021.
Email: frchristopherperry@northamptondiocese.org
