When and where were you born?
I was born in Geelong on the 12th August 1975.
Memories of your childhood/family/upbringing/schooling
I am the eldest of four children. I have two brothers and a sister. I attended the local Parish primary school – Christ the King in Newcomb, and my secondary education was at St Joseph’s Christian Brothers College, Newtown.
When/why did you decide to enter the seminary?
It was during Yr 12 when a teacher asked me have I ever thought about responding to the call to priesthood. After a lot of time of prayer and discernment I decided to enter the seminary and respond to God call.
Memories of seminary life
1998 entered Corpus Christi College at Clayton,
2001–2005 Corpus Christi College at Carlton
During this time I was privileged to live and study with some fantastic guys. It was a great learning experience both personally and spiritually.
When and where were you ordained?
I was ordained at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Ballarat on the Feast of St Patrick. 17 March 2006.
What areas of ministry have you worked in since ordination?
St Joseph’s Warrnambool and St Patrick’s Cathedral as a Deacon
2006-2008: St Patrick’s Cathedral, St James Sebastopol, and St Columba’s Ballarat North
2008: Sacred Heart Parish, Mildura
What have been the highlights of your ministry to date?
The highlight of my ministry so far has been being on the journey of faith with other people and being able to celebrate the sacraments and eternal life with people.
What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians?
Keep focused on the bigger picture of life and accept people at where they are on their own personal journey of faith. Support them and encourage them – the rewards will be great.
What are your personal hopes for the future?
To give all I can to the people I am to serve as a priest and to be Christ like to all I meet.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My family and friends and some fantastic priests such as Fr Richard Rafter, Mons James Murray, Fr Bill van de Camp, Fr Joe McMahon and Fr Mick Fitzpatrick.
What was the last book you read or movie you saw?
Movies: Doubt and Australia
Book: Dear Fatty (Dawn French Bibliography)
Your favourite travel destination?
I enjoyed London and New Zealand.
What hobbies/pastimes are important to you?
Spending as much time as I can with family and friends.
A bit of fun – what would you like to the inscription on your headstone to read?
‘ He lived life to the full and encouraged others to do the same’
Another quote I love is:
‘ You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.’
