It is a great pleasure for me to have joined you in Rushcliffe to serve this new Parish of the Annunciation. Thank you for the warm welcome I have received.

 

I was born in Mansfield, where I have served as Parish Priest for the last nine years. I received my secondary education at The Becket School, and so this is a return for me to West Bridgford.

 

Following school, I worked for the National Coal Board over many years and then as a regional organiser for a major trade union. I also served in public life as a district councillor.

 

I was encouraged to think about priesthood by my family from school days. An uncle and great-uncle were both priests of the Diocese of Galway in Ireland. However, as a younger person, I didn't feel I had what it takes to be a priest.

 

The call of the Lord is persistent and having reached my middle years. I took advice from a former teacher of mine from The Becket School, whose opinion I have always greatly valued. Canon George Woodall then supported me through the application. It is a delight that Canon George, who has recently retired as a Parish Priest, will now be supporting me in serving the Parish of the Annunciation.

 

I was accepted by Bishop McGuinness as a student for the Diocese and began studies at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome in September 1999.

 

I have very happy memories of my time in Rome, where I made lifelong friends and came to understanding that the priesthood is where the Lord wants me to serve.

 

I was ordained priest at St Philip Neri, Mansfield in June 2003. I have ministered at St Barnabas’ Cathedral, then as Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Angels, East Leake; St Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth; and St Hugh’s, Lincoln. In May 2017, I returned to Mansfield and led the merger of  three parishes to form the new parish of Our Lady and All Saints. I have also served as Chaplain to Nottingham Trent University and the University of Lincoln. I was appointed a Canon of the Catheral Chapter four years ago and Vicar General in 2023.

 

I feel immensely privileged to have been asked to serve in the Parish of the Annunciation. I look forward to renewing old friendships and getting to know everyone in the parish community as we begin a new chapter of service together, service of the Lord and of all our brothers and sisters in this great parish.

 

Canon John Kyne, V.G.