Middlesbrough: Father Norman Jacobson has died

First Communion Day

Tributes have been paid to much-loved priest, Father Norman Jacobson, who has died at the age of 67 following a lengthy period of ill health. Born in Boldon, Co Durham, on February 13 1947, Father Norman was initially ordained into the Anglican ministry and worked in parishes throughout Teesside, including St Thomas’s, Brambles Farm, St Paul’s, Thornaby, and All Saints, in Middlesbrough town centre.

After entering the Roman Catholic Church, he studied at St John’s, Wonersh, and was ordained for the Diocese of Middlesbrough in 1986.

His first placement was for three years at St Aelred’s, York, followed by a further three years curacy at St Peter’s, Scarborough. In 1992, Father Norman was appointed University Chaplain at Hull.

In 2000, he became Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Parish in Northallerton, where he remained until 2007. In his final year there, he was appointed as the Dean for that area of the Diocese. Until his death, on Friday November 7, Father Norman had been Parish Priest of St Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy, in Hull.

Just before Father Norman passed away, the Bishop of Middlesbrough, The Right Reverend Terence Patrick Drainey, visited him along with the local Dean, Father Michael Marsden.

They spent time at Father Norman’s bedside and although he was close to death, were able to pray with him.

Vicar General Monsignor Gerard Robinson said Father Norman was appreciative of all the support given to him during his sickness.

“In expressing our prayerful sympathy to Norman’s sister, his relatives and many friends, we recognise with gratitude the generous pastoral care he has shown to those entrusted to him over these last 28 years,” said Monsignor Gerard.

“Father Norman was very happy in his post at Hull University as he had a natural ease with the students and young people generally. Perhaps it is not without some significance that he was called to the Lord on the feast of St Willibrord, patron of Hull University Chaplaincy.”

Father Norman’s mortal remains will be received into St Anthony’s and Our Lady of Mercy Church in Hull on Monday November 17 at 6.30pm, for the Evening Prayer of the Church.

His Requiem Mass will be at 12.10pm on Tuesday November 18 in St Charles Borromeo Church, followed by cremation. There will be a reception afterwards in the main hall at the Endsleigh Centre.