Bexhill school pays its tributes to priest

St Richard’s Catholc College said Father Seamus Stapleton SCA was an ‘integral’ part of the school’s community. According to Pallottines Ireland, Fr Seamus had celebrated the 10am Mass at St Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Hastings Old Town and went for a cup of tea with the parishioners. He returned to the presbytery and when he did not appear for the 11.30am Mass, the deacon and some parishioners went to find him and he had collapsed in the kitchen. The emergency services were called to try and treat Fr Seamus but he had already died. Fr Seamus, who was born in September 1971, made his first consecration on September 29, 2002, and was ordained on June 11, 2006. Tributes have since been paid to the popular priest by parishioners. Doreen Cronin, principal of St Richard’s, said: “Fr Seamus was an integral part of our school community. “During his time with us, he celebrated many masses with our pupils, including whole school celebrations. “Recently in October, he joined us on our year 10 block day retreat to give a very engaging workshop on his vocation as a priest. “He also prepared many of our young people from Hastings for their confirmation. “On an individual level, he supported staff and pupils providing spiritual guidance with a gentle sense of humour, always showing understanding of the various needs of our young people. “He was always willing to help and support the work of our lay chaplain. “He will be sadly missed by the pupils, staff and governors of St Richard’s Catholic College.” Fr Seamus leaves his mother Mary, his brothers John, Matthew and Liam, by his sister Anne-Marie, and his extended family. He was predeceased by his father James. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.