Homilies

Fr James Lyons – A Personal Profile

Fr James Lyons – A Personal Profile

Greetings! I’m James Lyons, Parish Priest of the Cathedral Parish of the Sacred Heart, Wellington Archdiocese, New Zealand. I was appointed in February 2008 following 12 years with Ss Peter & Paul Parish, Lower Hutt. I was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1967 and have served in a variety of ministries for the Church in New Zealand.

Earlier I was a journalist, serving a cadetship on a small provincial daily newspaper. The experience prepared me for opportunities to develop my interest in writing and public relations as a priest. In the mid 1970s I was part of a group of clergy and lay folk who helped establish the national office of Catholic Communications. This is the media office of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

After study at Victoria University, Wellington, and at St Paul University, Ottawa, Canada, I served as National Director of Catholic Communications, remaining in this position until 1992 when I returned to full time parish work.

The population base of Sacred Heart Parish is relatively small but the Cathedral is host to many liturgical and cultural occasions ensuring much and varied activity. The Archdiocesan administration, pastoral and education offices are adjacent to the Cathedral. The Archbishop shares his residence with me on the same site. There are many visitors for national and diocesan meetings so guests are numerous.

Our Parish is one of three that form the Wellington West Pastoral Area, in partnership with St Theresa’s, Karori, and St Vincent de Paul, Wilton.

Like all priests and pastoral leaders, my work is people – their hopes and their disappointments, their joys and their sorrows. It’s one of the great privileges of the pastor to be invited into the lives of people. Their trust is a beautiful and valued gift.

I enjoy tennis and swimming as ways of relaxing. The beach is a favourite spot for reflection and time out. I keep a scrap book handy for writing. I have published some prayers and you may find some from time to time on our website.

Thanks for being interested enough to find out something about me and our parish. May you know the ever present love of God for you and your life.