The Archdiocese of Liverpool was saddened to learn of the death of Fr Barry McAllister. He was 64 years old, and in his 38th year of priesthood.

Patrick Barry McAllister, the son of Patrick and Catherine McAllister, was born in Wigan on 21 March 1960. He received his early education at St Mary’s School, Wigan, and St John Rigby Grammar School (and later Sixth Form College), Orrell, before entering Ushaw College, to begin his seminary formation. He was ordained to the priesthood at St Mary’s, Wigan, by Archbishop Derek Worlock on 6 December 1986.

Following ordination, Fr McAllister served as assistant priest in several parishes across the archdiocese: St Cuthbert, Pemberton (1986-88); Sacred Heart and St Alban, Warrington (1988-95); and briefly at St Mary, Chorley, in early 1995.

In September 1995, he took up his first appointment as parish priest, moving to St Elizabeth, Litherland.

Like many priests, he was asked to take on additional responsibility for another parish. Thus, in September 2011, he became parish priest of St Robert Bellarmine, Bootle, as well.

He proved to be a dedicated, zealous, and kindly pastor, devoting the remainder of his priestly ministry to the people of these parishes. His parishioners were blessed with someone genuinely interested in their lives, possessed of a good memory and a ready wit, and with a great gift for listening.

His brother priests, too, held him in very high regard, so that he served successive terms as the local dean between 2006 and 2021.

His strong faith sustained him as he faced treatment for cancer, and the eventual terminal diagnosis, with immense courage and patience. He died at Wigan and Leigh Hospice in the evening of Friday 22 March 2024, the day after his 64 birthday. He was in the 38th year of the priesthood.

May he rest in peace.

His funeral details are below:

Vigil Mass: Wednesday 10 April 7.30 p.m.

St Elizabeth’s Church, Webster Street, Litherland, L21 8JH

Canons of the Chapter will lead Evening Prayer from the Office for the Dead at 7.00pm.

The reception of the body and the Vigil Mass will follow at 7.30pm.‍

Requiem Mass: Thursday 11 April 12 noon

St John’s Church, Standishgate, Wigan, WN1 1XD

 Burial will follow later in Ireland.