Welcome to my world!

I’m Father Joe and my role is Director of the Youth Service for the Diocese of Nottingham. That means that I am responsible for The Briars, reach4 outreach ministry, resources and training for youth leaders. in reality, it means that I lead programme at The Briars, work with reach4 out in the schools and parishes of our diocese and make sure things in the Youth Service are working and developing nicely.

I am a native of Nottingham, West Bridgford to be precise, and after leaving the Becket School, I worked for three years as a youth worker with the Nottingham Pilgrims Community. The next six years saw me in London, studying for the priesthood at Allen Hall Seminary and Heythrop College. London; great place (especially if you are living off the Kings Road as I was) but give me Nottingham any day. After ordination, I was appointed to Ss Peter and Paul parish, Lincoln then moved to St Mary’s, Derby, where I spent the next four years. It came as a huge surprise when Bishop Malcolm asked me to come and work at the Youth Service and it is something I never thought I would do as a priest. I have the privilege of working with over 5000 young people a year and great staff and volunteers.

When not working, you will find me watching Forest (season ticket holder and proud of it), going to the gym, reading, out at gigs (Bellowhead and Tom Paxton recently), playing piano and guitar and watching ER.

If you ever come up to the Briars or I see you on the road, I look forward to meeting you. If I never meet you, have a good life and I’ll see you in heaven.

Cheers

Father Joe