Canon Anthony O’Brien
Born in Liverpool Canon Tony O’Brien trained for the priesthood at Upholland and Ushaw Seminaries and attended Durham University. He was ordained in 1979 by Archbishop Worlock. He has served in parishes in Netherton, Skelmersdale and Toxteth within the Archdiocese and following a term as Diocesan Financial Secretary was appointed Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral in 2006 by Archbishop Kelly.
Father Peter Murphy
Father Peter grew up in Southport and attended the parish of Saint Marie’s on the Sands. He undertook formation for the priesthood at Saint John’s Seminary, Wonersh in Surrey. Prior to going to seminary, Father Peter studied for a degree in Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire. As well as his work here at the Cathedral and the hospitals, Father Peter is Chaplain to Coach 8 on the Archdiocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Father Derek Lloyd
Fr Derek studied history at the University of Birmingham, before entering the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, Yorkshire. He gained his degree in theology and his Masters degree in theology, and he was in active ministry for 17 years in the Church of England before his conversion to the Catholic Faith. He entered formation at St. Mary’s College, Oscott, and was Ordained by Archbishop Malcolm in July 2022. The Cathedral is his first appointment.
Deacon Paul Mannings
Paul Mannings has been part of the Cathedral community since his student days in the 1970’s. He was ordained to the diaconate in 2008 and has served the Cathedral in that capacity since ordination. Paul’s work includes coordinating the Cathedral Guild of Guides. His wider Cathedral duties include ministry to the sick and housebound within our parish. He also assists with sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. He oversees the process for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). In a professional capacity he is an advisor and inspector of Religious Education in our Catholic high schools and colleges. Paul’s hobbies include classical and modern languages. He loves to cycle and to make other spasmodic attempts to keep fit!
Deacon Noel Abbott
Noel has been part of the Metropolitan Cathedral community since 1968 in various roles. He helped out in the Cathedral Bookshop in its early days, also assisting as an altar server on an ad hoc basis. He has also acted as impromptu steward, guide and security guard during the same time. Noel was ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Derek Worlock in June 1993 and was originally involved in Baptism, Marriage Preparation and RCIA programmes. With the arrival of a young family, he later focussed more on liturgical aspects of Cathedral life. Deacon Noel also works as a hospital chaplain specialising in Mental health/ill health in various hospital units in South Liverpool. He ‘tinkers’ with technology and gadgets in his spare time and enjoys going to the Lake District, when he can fit this in with other commitments.
