James McKeran

James, what were you doing before you came to Mirfield as an ordinand?

I’ve just finished three years working as a church and charity administrator, at St George’s Hanover Square London, whilst discerning my vocation with the Diocese of London. St George’s is a historic central London church, famous for both its musical connections to Handel and as the location for society weddings. It still hosts many concerts and weddings, but also numerous national and local charity events. Alongside my work, I studied for an MA in Church History at King’s College London - which I completed the Friday before arriving at College.

Before this I lived in Suffolk where I practiced as a solicitor in Newmarket. I was much involved in horse racing and the social side of country life at this time. After nearly ten years of a gentle nudging from God, I reached a crossroads in my life when my firm offered me a partnership. After a period of reflection, I left to explore my vocation and took up the post offered by an old friend and priest to come and work at St George’s.

What did you find interesting in studying sixteenth century church history in your MA?

The interconnectedness of Christianity with everyday life, culture and power. Religion, society and politics were all entwined at this stage of British history, almost being synonymous. Faith was relevant and informed the public discourse. The century was one of the most creative phases of Christian theological dialogue in Europe, the repercussions of which are still informing and shaping the course of modern western society.

Why did you choose to come to Mirfield?

Until a year ago I would not have ever imagined coming here as a student. I had heard of the College and respected its reputation. Yet not seeing myself as either an Anglo-Catholic or readily identifying with any ‘party’ within the Church, I did not think its clearly defined Oxford Movement heritage would suit me. How wrong I was! When the friend I came to work for at St George’s tragically died from lung cancer, after a difficult interregnum, a wonderful new priest came to serve the parish. He has become a good friend and happens to be an old boy of the College. So I found myself coming up to visit as a potential student. The rest is history. I knew during my first service in Upper Church this was where God intended me to come to be formed for the priesthood. I experienced a generosity and communal ethos that pervaded the College: undoubtedly born of its relationship with the Community. I believe this has forged a unique atmosphere for an educational institution - centred on a search for God in and through stability and continuity of tradition.

I was also attracted to the priorities of the College environment - things seemed in perspective here. Worship, College jobs and pastoral placements all appeared to hold importance. Academic study, though integral to the formation process, was in its appropriate place and not held up as the be all and end all of one’s time in training.

How do you perceive the call of God to the priesthood?

Vocation is clarified for me by following the example of Jesus Christ in a life of loving service to God and my neighbour. Although our worldly society is in flux, I view the heart of priesthood undimmed in the proclamation of the Gospel: through the sacraments of the Church, by teaching and preaching of the Word and outpoured in pastoral and social action.

What were your hopes and expectations in coming to Mirfield?

I am hoping here to form my search for God, to know him and love him better. I was attracted to the daily rhythm of the Divine Office and Eucharist that the College offers. I expect the College tradition to challenge my path, perhaps question some of my assumptions and help inform my call. Particularly, I am praying for this infrastructure to bring together the two distinct worlds of my academic / professional background and my faith and devotional life.

What have you enjoyed and found difficult in your first term?

Meeting so many people from all over the country from such different and varied backgrounds - all called to follow Christ and finding themselves at the same point in their respective journeys - has been especially rewarding. Making new friendships and sharing life is always a privilege. The disciplined pattern of prayer is proving formative to my spirituality. I am also enjoying the engagement with theology and pastoral studies in the classroom. However, I must admit I underestimated the challenge collegiate living could pose for an independently minded 34 year old. It can sometimes be difficult to find your own space here. Being an animal person, I also miss the company of my dogs terribly.