Michael McKearney
Brewood,Staffordshire
Summary
Experienced in ministerial duties with a profound understanding of religious texts and ecclesiastical law compliance. Skilled in providing grief support and spiritual counselling, with knowledge and experience of sacramental ritual facilitation. Adept at conducting ceremonies, preparing liturgies, and instructing meditation, all while maintaining respectful communication. Committed to enhancing spiritual well-being through dedicated service and continuous professional development.
Offering compassionate support, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills. Knowledgeable about community outreach, crisis intervention, and providing emotional guidance. Ready to use and develop empathy, counselling, and communication skills in this role.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Chaplain
St Edmund's Catholic Academy
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2023.03 - Current
- Provided emotional support for grieving families, contributing to their healing process.
- Handled administrative duties for efficient operation of church affairs.
- Led regular services, enhancing spiritual wellbeing and community connection.
- Attended meetings with church leaders to discuss strategies for better serving the community's spiritual needs.
- Organised fundraising events supporting various charitable causes linked to church missions.
- Initiated youth engagement programmes encouraging younger participation in church activities.
- Delivered sermons that inspired personal spiritual growth and ethical behaviour in listeners.
- Mentored junior chaplains, fostering their professional development and practical skills enhancement.
- Implemented pastoral care programmes, ensuring the spiritual needs of congregation members were met.
- Liaised with local charity organisations to coordinate community outreach initiatives and volunteer efforts.
- Facilitated group discussions on faith matters, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
- Constructed weekly newsletters, keeping the congregation informed about upcoming activities and events.
- Led bible study groups enhancing knowledge and interpretation of religious texts.
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to residents, family members and staff.
- Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counselling and prayer.
- Oversaw administration and management of different areas of ministry.
- Researched and prepared materials used in Bible study and daily devotions.
- Prepared and presented religious sermons on weekly basis.
- Interpreted religious texts and created summaries.
- Represented religious institution by speaking and attending local events.
- Planned and scheduled special events aligned with religious values.
Curriculum Leader Religious Education
St Edmund's Catholic Academy
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2022.07 - 2022.12
- Managed a department of 5 colleagues
- Taught Religious Education from year 7 up to and including sixth form A' Level course
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
Coordinator of Ongoing Formation for Clergy
Archdiocese of Birmingham
Birmingham, West Midlands
2018.09 - 2022.06
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring consistency in quality and service delivery.
- Explored new opportunities whilst maintaining focus on core responsibilities.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing favourable terms.
- Liaised with external parties to ensure seamless project execution.
- Created detailed schedules to streamline work processes.
- Handled administrative tasks, freeing up time for senior staff members.
- Collaborated across departments for strategic planning purposes.
- Maintained all project documentation, guaranteeing accuracy and accessibility.
- Answered phone calls and responded to emails from clients.
- Conducted research to support decision-making processes.
- Managed and prioritised varied and busy workload to meet deadlines.
- Coordinated project meetings, documenting key action items and decisions.
- Planned and coordinated events and activities, maintaining seamless and efficient workflow.
- Scheduled meetings to discuss progress of projects and tasks.
- Build and maintained strong relationships with partners and key stakeholders.
Head of Religious Education/Head of Catholic Life
St Edmund Campion Catholic School
Birmingham, West Midlands
2012.09 - 2018.08
- Managed a team of five staff
- Taught Religious Education from year 7 up to and including sixth form A' Level course
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Weekly meeting with SLT to discuss Catholic Life of the school and plan and monitor events.
- Planning and delivery of in-house retreat days for all year groups
Head of Religious Education
Blessed Robert Johnson
Telford, Shropshire
2011.09 - 2012.08
- Managed a department of 5 colleagues
- Taught Religious Education from year 7 up to and including sixth form A' Level course
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
Head of Spiritual Life/Head of RE/Second in RE
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School
Birmingham, West Midlands
1995.06 - 2011.08
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Duties as above in other schools where I have been Head of RE or Catholic Life
Education
PGCE - Religious Education
University of Birmingham
Birmingham 1992.09 - 1993.07
Bachelor of Divinity - Theology
Heythrop College, University of London
London 1987.09 - 1990.07
Skills
- Ministerial duties
- Religious texts knowledge
- Grief support
- Palliative care principles
- Ecclesiastical law compliance
- Ceremonial conducting
- Respectful communication
- Liturgy preparation
- Meditation instruction
- Sacramental ritual facilitation
- Spiritual counselling
Affiliations
- I enjoy reading a wide range of literature, from classics to science fiction/fantasy to spiritual writings of the saints. I also enjoy watching football and am a season ticket holder for my local team. I love to walk my dog and enjoy all things to do with the countryside, which brings me great peace and contentment.
Ministry
As a permanent deacon of the Catholic Church, I have served in parishes in the archdiocese for nearly twelve years. I currently serve in the parish of St Carlo Acutis in Wolverhampton, Where I regularly fulfil the liturgical duties of my ministry on weekends and sometimes in midweek. In addition I coordinate the preparation of parents who wish to have their children Baptised - running preparation courses and managing the administration tasks associated with that. I also support the parish priest in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme. Working in a local Catholic school has enabled me to develop and strengthen the links between the parish and the school and the feeder primary schools.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chaplain
St Edmund's Catholic Academy
2023.03 - Current
Curriculum Leader Religious Education
St Edmund's Catholic Academy
2022.07 - 2022.12
Coordinator of Ongoing Formation for Clergy
Archdiocese of Birmingham
2018.09 - 2022.06
Head of Religious Education/Head of Catholic Life
St Edmund Campion Catholic School
2012.09 - 2018.08
Head of Religious Education
Blessed Robert Johnson
2011.09 - 2012.08
Head of Spiritual Life/Head of RE/Second in RE
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School
1995.06 - 2011.08
PGCE - Religious Education
University of Birmingham
1992.09 - 1993.07
Bachelor of Divinity - Theology
Heythrop College, University of London
1987.09 - 1990.07