The second fifty years

1957 - After 21 years as parish priest Father O'Connell dies aged 60 and is succeeded by Father Patrick O'Grady, a native of County Tipperary (which borders County Laois). Father O'Grady completes the work of establishing the Catholic secondary school at North Featherstone, St Wilfrid's, begun by his predecessor, and guides the parish through the turmoil of the Second Vatican Council.

1971 - The Bishop appoints Father O'Grady honorary Canon of the Diocesan Chapter and Dean of Pontefract Deanery and .

1982 May - Canon O'Grady celebrates 45 years in the priesthood. He lays the foundation stone of the eponymous parish hall, to be completed some two years later. After 25 years as parish priest he dies in July. He is remembered especially as a zealous pator who cared for the sick and the dying and as one who was always generous to the poor and the distressed.

1982 September - Canon O'grady is succeeded by Fr Patrick O'Keefe