Neil’s story explores his story from being an agnostic to contemplation & mysticism, his involvement in a contemporary worship band member and as a lay preacher and environmental scientist.
"I was raised Catholic but was agnostic by young adulthood, particularly following my pursuit of a scientific education. However, I was always a questioning person and began returning to the faith in my late 20s, partly through the influence of a good woman! My wife's brother was ordained to the priesthood and I would borrow books from him. Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son had a huge impact on me then and still does. My primary faith interest is contemplation and mysticism so I'm probably a little unorthodox but that's the beauty of Catholic universality. So now I'm an environmental scientist and part-time lay missionary - an unorthodox and paradoxical pilgrim! I'm involved with a contemporary worship band called the Mustard Seeds who re-imagine pop and rock songs to deliver a faith message, e.g. we sing a trad version of a Guns 'n' Roses song at pro-life rallies! I'm also involved with the Hook of Faith digital envangelisation project in the Diocese of Ferns: www.hookoffaith.com"