The Parish Clergy
There are currently two resident priests at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and a permanent deacon.
Our Priests
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Father Anthony Rohan
Parish Priest Ordained in 1976, Fr Tony spent 4 years in Redditch as a curate, before moving to become Parish Priest in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Clayton and Small Heath. He now returns to Our Lady of Mount Carmel as Parish Priest. Father Jason Mahoney
Assistant Priest Father Jason Mahoney was born in 1971 and was brought up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire with his parents, Terry and Carol, and two older brothers, Nicholas and Andrew. During his ordination ceremony in July 2018, Archbishop Bernard Longley commented that he brought “a little bit of Yorkshire determination” to enrich the presbyterate of the Archdiocese. In 1989, Father Jason came to the Midlands to study at university. He later gained degrees from Aston University (1993) and from Birmingham University (2006) in German. Before formation for the diocesan priesthood, his professional career was in academic administration, working at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies (1996-2001) and later at Birmingham University (2003-2012). Father Jason began to think about the Catholic Faith seriously during his teenage years and was received into full communion with the Church on 2 December 1990 by Bishop Philip Pargeter during his university years. From that time onwards, the first movements of vocation stirred. After some early experiences of pursuing a vocation to the priesthood, the thought of vocation was shelved for many years. However, as he says, “it never went away, every so often it would return drawing me in painful little by little. Discerning a vocation was a long and protracted process for me, marked by many turns and dead ends; there were abject failures, false starts and long periods of frustration. But in the end, it was right. And… I learnt a lot along the way!” In September 2012, at the age of 41, Father Jason left his career to begin priestly formation at St Mary's College, Oscott, the seminary for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. During his studies, Jason earned two theology degrees (BA Fundamental Catholic Theology from the Birmingham University and an STB Theology from the Catholic University of Leuven). Outside of term-time, as a seminarian and later as a transitional deacon he spent time with the late Canon Gerry Breen (died 2019) at St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham, “from whom I learnt a great deal! I still think of the pastoral advice he gave me.” He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Bernard Longley at St Chad's Cathedral on 7 July 2018, celebrating his first Mass of Thanksgiving there the following day with the parishioners of the Cathedral parish. Immediately following ordination, Father Jason was appointed as an assistant priest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Redditch. Father Jason said, “It seemed odd, that I came from Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Doncaster, and I was now appointed to another Mount Carmel. It was as thought there were a mysterious message being delivered!” He began his ministry there on 14 August 2018. Father Jason ministered under the long-serving parish priest, the Father Anthony ("Tony") Rohan. Together they shared responsibilities, guiding the diverse parish. Regular pastoral duties include sacramental ministry for the the celebration of Masses, Sacramental Preparation, Journey in Faith (RCIA), and visiting the sick in hospital. Together with Father Tony, Father Jason took on roles as chaplain for local Catholic schools in the parish including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First School, Saint Thomas More Catholic First School, Saint Bede’s Catholic Middle School, and Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School. All of which now form part of the Our Lady of The Magnificat Multi-Academy. Father Jason comments, “Father Tony was a kind and gentle guide and a good a faithful priest. He generously shared his experience and gave perspective and, very importantly, humour to pastoral situations. He was always prepared to listen, and I used to tell him everything, and I always sought and followed his advice.” In 2022, Father Tony was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer, and although remaining active for as long as possible, his activities were progressively curtailed especially in his final year of life. He received great support from the whole parish community. Father Jason was called upon to continue the work of the pastoral care and support the parish institutions during this time. After months in hospital, Father Tony Rohan died peacefully at Tutnall Hall Nursing Home on 19 July 2025. Since then, Father Jason has remained a stable presence to ensure continuing leadership within the parish. |
Our Permanent Deacon
Reverend Desmond Chilton
Permanent Deacon
Permanent Deacon
The Parish Office
The parish has two members of staff who work in the parish office and are generally available between 10.00 a.m. & 5.00 p.m. Monday - Friday and are always happy to help you.
