Fr John Baron RIP
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetural light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
Message from Bishop Swarbrick:
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Fr John Baron aged 88. Fr John died in hospital in Carlisle on the evening of Saturday 20th September, fortified with the Rites of the Church. May he rest in peace. His death was not totally unexpected since he has struggled with health issues for some time.
John Baron was born in Blackpool on the 1st of November 1936 to parents Mary and Robert. He was baptized and confirmed at St John Vianney, Blackpool. John’s primary education was at St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, Blackpool, followed by secondary school years at Thistleton Lodge, Junior Seminary, after which he went to St Cuthbert’s Senior Seminary Ushaw, Durham. He was ordained for the Diocese of Lancaster on 27th May 1961 at St Anthony’s, Preston.
Following ordination, he gained qualifications in education from Downing College, Cambridge and then began the following appointments. St Michael’s Junior Seminary, Underley Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale from 1967 to 1972 followed by St Joseph’s Junior Seminary, Upholland, up to 1986. He was appointed Assistant Priest, Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Carlise, then in 1997 he volunteered as a Fidei Donum Priest for Monze Diocese, Zambia where he served in Chivuna parish mostly as a teacher and chaplain in St Joseph’s Secondary School (girls) until his recall to the Diocese in 2002. Upon his return he served in Christ the King parish, Carlisle and was Priest in Charge at St Margaret Mary’s, Carlisle. He also served as Chaplain at Newman School, Carlisle from 2002. Fr John retired from active ministry at the age of 75 in January 2012.
Our prayers and condolences go out to Margaret, John’s sister, and all members of the family. I’m also grateful to those who cared for him during his final years.
The Funeral Mass for Fr. John Baron will be as follows:
Mass at 12 noon on Friday 10th October 2025 at Our Lady and St Joseph's, Warwick Square CA1 1LB
Burial in Woodland section of Carlisle Cemetery at 2pm
Received into church on Thursday 9th October at 5pm followed by Deanery Mass
(Extra parking is available at Blessed Christopher Robinson House, Lismore Place CA1 1LZ.)