We are passionate about helping people to grow through formation and accompaniment. This is why we get amazing speakers from across the world. Here’s who’s joining us this August.
Rt. Rev. David Oakley
Bishop of Northampton
Bishop David Oakley was ordained to the priesthood in July 1980. He holds a MEd degree from the Maryvale Institute, a PhD in Pastoral Theology from Oscott, and an STL from the Pontifical University of St Patrick’s, Maynooth.
As well as serving in several parishes within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Bishop David directed the Diocesan Department for Parish and Family Catechesis, developing resources in collaboration with CaFE. He was also appointed Pastoral Director and Procurator at Oscott College. He was ordained the thirteenth Bishop of Northampton in March 2020.
Bishop David is a strong supporter of New Dawn, and we look forward to welcoming him once again as Principal Celebrant for our closing Mass!
Msgr John Armitage
Parish Priest, St. Margaret’s Canning Town
Msgr John Armitage will be joining us as a Principal Celebrant at the New Dawn August 2025 weekend.
Fr Frankie Mulgrew
Precentor, Salford Cathedral
Ordained in 2013, Fr Frankie is a priest of the Diocese of Salford and is based with the team at Salford Cathedral as the Cathedral Precentor.
Fr Frankie has compiled and edited two books – Does God LOL? and Miracles R Us – with his authorship proceeds being donated to his favourite charity, Mary’s Meals, and he was part of the team which set up and operated ‘Mercy Bus’ in the UK during Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy.
Fr Frankie Mulgrew (whose from an entertainment background) initially followed in his family’s footsteps by becoming a stand-up comedian and professional entertainer, before eventually answering a calling to become a Catholic priest.
Gary Stephens
CEO, Prince of Peace Community
Gary Stephens is married to Joanne and together they have seven children and eight grandchildren. He has been involved in evangelisation ministry since 1992.
In 2018, Myles Dempsey, founder of New Dawn, appointed him his successor as Leader of the Prince of Peace Community, CEO of New Dawn and International New Dawn Chairman.
Accredited with a Bachelor of Divinity, Gary speaks at numerous Catholic conferences, retreats and seminars, both nationally and internationally. He is also involved with the Men of Saint Joseph and has an established prison ministry.
Daniella Stephens
Catholic Evangelist
Daniella Stephens is a member of the Prince of Peace Community and a Catholic Evangelist who regularly speaks at churches, schools and events across the UK and abroad. She gained an Ecclesiastical Bachelor of Divinity from the Maryvale Institute in 2018 and has been in ministry since 2021.