John grew up in Guildford and Parramatta NSW. His parents were from Marrickville and Tempe. He spent the first part of his ministerial life in youth retreats and parish missions, community leadership and retreat house ministry. After graduate studies in spiritual direction and leadership, he moved into parish ministry In Port Augusta, then back into retreats and spiritual direction. He was previously Parish Priest at St Paul Apostle Endeavour Hills (Melb) 1998-2009.