Fr John’s Story

I was born and brought up in Mansfield. The church in which I was baptised is where I was also ordained! I now have the privilege of ministering here as parish priest.

I attended St. Philip Neri primary school and then the Becket School in West Bridgford. On finishing school, I worked for the National Coal Board for many years and then as a regional organiser for a major trade union. I also served as a district councillor in Mansfield.

My parents encouraged me to think about priesthood from my school days. An uncle and great-uncle were both priests of the Diocese of Galway in Ireland. However, as a young person, I simply didn’t feel I had what it takes to be a priest.

The call of the Lord to service is persistent and finally having reached my middle years – I gave in. I talked to a priest who was a former teacher of mine at the Becket school whose opinion I greatly valued. He supported me through the application process.

I was accepted as a student for the Diocese and went to the Pontifical Beda College in Rome in September 1999. My time at college has left me with happy memories, lifelong friends and the sense that I was where the Lord wanted me to be.

I was ordained priest for the Diocese of Nottingham at St Philip Neri, Church, Mansfield, in June 2003. Since then, life has been an experience of real joy. I ministered at St Barnabas’ Cathedral, then as Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Angels, East Leake, St Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth, and St Hugh’s, Lincoln. I have also served as Chaplain at Nottingham Trent University and The University of Lincoln.

For several years, I was also the Coordinator of School Chaplains. In 2017, I was asked to become parish priest of my home parish - St. Philip Neri, Mansfield. Here, I care for the communities that make up this pastoral area. I feel immensely privileged to be back “at home” and to serve the people among whom I grew up.

The life of a priest is full of challenge, but every day I encounter genuine gratitude for who I am and what I do. I often wish that I had responded to the Lord’s call earlier. However, it is my life experience that I bring to my ministry and that makes me who I am.

If you feel that still, quiet, persistent call – talk to someone you trust or approach the Diocesan Vocation Directors or speak to any priest you know. Always remember, it is never too late to respond to the Lord saying, “Come and See.” After all, Jesus was 30 before he started his ministry! Everything you do and experience on your life’s journey will enrich your ministry and the Lord will never be outdone in generosity.