By Deacon John Casey
Ever since my early teens I felt a deep desire to serve God in and through the priesthood. My vocation journey has taken a few twists and turns along the way, but I am so grateful and blessed to be a transitional deacon preparing for ordination to the priesthood later this year, please God.
I grew up in the parish of St Bernadette in Motherwell, Scotland, and developed a devotion to Our Lady. Her motherly care has been constant, despite the fact that I have not always been constant in my fidelity to the Lord. Like many others, I have experienced struggles in my faith, but though I strayed from the Lord, he never left me.
I am reminded of the Prodigal Father who was constantly on the lookout for his wayward son. It has given me a deep appreciation of the mercy of God and I hope that this will make me a better instrument of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I have always felt drawn to a life of service. I spent over 27 years working in the Police Service, which gave me a deeper understanding and knowledge of how to accompany people, especially at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I have also been blessed to be there for people during joyful moments too.
Another way in which I have been led to service was within the Church. I volunteered as a parish catechist in Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George, Enfield, for many years and wanted to learn more about my faith so I could share it with others. This desire brought me to study theology with Maryvale Institute with an emphasis on catechetics and sharing the faith with others. I applied this to parish catechetics, especially preparation for RCIA.
I am currently serving the parish community of Our Lady of Fatima, White City. It is a very busy parish and I am enjoying getting to experience the different aspects of parish life there. It has also been a joy to share this part of my vocation journey with them. The parish community has been so supportive of me with their kind words, feedback, support and prayers and I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported me on my journey so far.
Please continue to pray for me, as by God’s grace, I continue my preparation for priestly ordination. Please continue to pray for me and all seminarians discerning a vocation.
Deacon John Casey was ordained a transitional deacon on 11th February 2023, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Photo: Deacon John Casey with Bishop John Sherrington at his ordination (Allen Hall Seminary)
