When and where were you born?

Albury, NSW 1943

Memories of your childhood/family/upbringing/schooling?

I am an only child 
Spent lot of my childhood years with my maternal grandparents in Mitta Mitta. Primary schooling: St Brigid’s Albury (Sisters of Mercy); Christian Brothers from Year 3 – Year 7; Secondary Schooling – Year 7 to Matriculation (Boarding School) at Champagnat College, Wangaratta Vic.

When/why did you decide to enter the Seminary?

During the latter years of boarding school – influence of a Sandhurst priest in particular/

Memories of seminary life?

Transition from boarding school made adjustment to regulated and disciplined of seminary life easy. Irrelevance of some study. Camaraderie of fellow students was significant. Perhaps the most difficult period was after Vatican II and the tardiness/inability/unwillingness of authorities to implement change. This led to the class of ’68 completing their studies before being ordained at the conclusion of the seminary year.

When and where were you ordained?

I was ordained at Sacred Heart Church, North Albury, NSW on 10 December 1968 by the then bishop of the Wagga Diocese, Francis Carroll.

What areas of ministry have you worked in since ordination?

Parish ministry, health & aged care, mission leadership, and teaching/tutoring in Liturgy.

What have been the highlights of your ministry to date?

Opportunity to study overseas. Being invited to join the faculty of The Broken Bay Institute where I became Head of Department for Liturgy and, recently, Academic Dean.

What challenges have you faced in your ministry and how have these been overcome (if at all)?

Challenge to believe in myself and my abilities. The overseas study experience and the experience of the Broken Bay Institute and its supportive staff have been instrumental in growth and opportunities.

What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians?

Your baptism was the greatest day of your life. Never forget you are a member of the Assembly and are called by ordination to serve that Assembly

What are your personal hopes for the future?

Continuing to be challenged by study and learning; time to read, research and write

What are your personal hopes for the future of the Church in Australia?

That people be renewed in the significance of their baptismal priesthood which empowers them for mission and ministry – we never dry off from the waters of our baptism. What a different church we would be!

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life?

I would have to say persons – my parents, John XXIII, Gerard Austin OP, Sisters of Mercy

What was the last book you read or movie you saw?

Movie: Milk & Slumdog Millionaire

Book: The Secret Life of Bees & Why Go To Church?

Your favourite travel destination?

I still call Albury home!

What hobbies/pastimes are important to you?

Movies, friends & sharing a meal – like to see the mighty Cats play!

A bit of fun – what would you like to the inscription on your headstone to read?

Born into the world for a purpose – that purpose has now been fulfilled