Fr Marc writes…
I am humbled to be appointed to this role of National Ecumenical Officer for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. I am a priest of the Diocese of Leeds, ordained priest in July 2014. My first appointment was two years as assistant priest in a three-church parish – Our Lady of Kirkstall in north Leeds. I then worked at Leeds Cathedral for three years, serving as assistant priest and Master of Ceremonies. Since 2019 I have been the Catholic chaplain to the universities in Leeds and Leeds Trinity University, which I will continue alongside my ecumenical role. I have also served as the Director of the Youth Service from 2016 until 2025.
Having grown up in Kent, I came to Leeds to study Mathematics and Primary Education at Trinity and All Saints College (now Leeds Trinity University). I graduated from the University of Leeds and taught at a primary school before realising that God was calling me to the priesthood. I’ve studied at seminaries in Spain and in Rome.
Whilst I was born in England, my parents are Egyptian and Armenian-Lebanese. I speak French at home, and have also learnt Italian and (some!) Spanish.
I have had many positive experiences of ecumenical work. In my first parish there was a well-functioning Horsforth Churches Together. The whole group worked well together on many initiatives and projects. In my university chaplaincy role, I work with an ecumenical team of chaplains. We work closely together to support the staff and students of our universities.
I look forward to working with my ecumenical partners as we continue to seek the unity which Christ desires. We share a lot in common; I am sure we can continue to build on this solid foundation in order to strengthen our relationships. I pray that the Lord’s will be done in all our endeavours. Please also pray for me as I settle into this role, alongside my existing work as chaplain to the universities in Leeds.
Find out more about the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.