When and where were you born?
Clifton Hill, Melbourne on 31 March 1946.
Memories of your childhood/family/upbringing/schooling?
I grew up mainly in West Heidelberg, with my parents (Delia & Ernest), and my only sibling, Maggie. Mum’s younger brother Kevin also lived with us.
When/why did you decide to enter the Seminary?
I entered the Blessed Sacrament Order in 1979. I spent two years in the Noviciate and two years at the Marist Fathers Seminary Hunters Hill, NSW, then I switched over to the Diocese of Ballarat in 1983 and went to St Paul’s National Seminary Kensington NSW.
Memories of Seminary life?
The seminarians at St Paul’s came from a variety of occupations and family backgrounds which challenged us to be inclusive of the views of others. There were farmers, teachers, bankers, cooks, welfare people etc. l was a railwayman. I was ordained by Bishop Ronald Mulkearns in Ballarat on 22 August 1986.
What areas of ministry have you worked in since Ordination?
Initially I was assistant priest and currently I am PP of Portland, Victoria. I also spent time as a missionary priest in PNG and I started an Antioch Group with a Mercy Sister in Mildura.
What have been the highlights of your ministry to date?
Facilitating a Renew program, presiding at funerals, being CFA chaplain, being on a community town group in the Malle, being involved as a cricket and football umpire, being involved in primary schools as a sacramental minister and a presence to staff and students, celebrating Reconciliation and presiding at Eucharist.
What challenges have you faced in your ministry and how have these been overcome (if at all)?
Dealing with the sexual abuse issue and the perceptions many people have of priests generally in a negative or suspicious way; a number of bouts of depression during my 24 years of priesthood; the death of a child in a school and its effects on staff, children and parents and dealing with suicides and one case of manslaughter. I don’t think you overcome these, but if approached with prayer and trust in God as well as seeking help from other appropriate people you can grow into being a more compassionate person.
What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians?
Be prayerful. Be happy with what you can do rather than getting overcome with problems. Face problems – don’t wish them away or bury them as they will come back to bite you big time. Love yourself, your people and what you do with them.
What are your personal hopes for the future?
That l become much better at being present to people, as well as encouraging others to do what their heart dictates in giving service in new and creative ways.
What are your personal hopes for the future of the Church in Australia?
That we not be threatened by diversity …that the smells and bells people not be put out to pasture by those of us who are more socially / wider community minded, and vice versa. We can all learn from each other and serve each other. That we face the sexual abuse issue honestly, and protect victims and yet empower them to overcome their real trauma and hence not remain victims. As a church we cannot let this issue cripple us and stop us from loving others affectively and lovingly in light of our Catholic values.
What was the last book you read or movie you saw?
Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and I have just finished reading The Spoilt Generation by Dr Aric Sigman.
What hobbies/pastimes are important to you?
Music, plays, movies, eating out with friends. Umpiring and watching football and cricket and watching football and cricket.
A bit of fun – what would you like to the inscription on your headstone to read?
He did pretty good!
