Hello. John Ikechukwu Echewodo is my name. I am Nigerian by birth, an Australian by naturalisation and a Brisbane Priest by virtue of Priestly ordination. My journey to the priesthood started in Nigeria and with it came many years of seminary training, academic studies and qualifications. As part of my formal studies, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria and another degree also in Philosophy from Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, Owerri, which is an affiliate Institute of the Pontifical Urban University, Rome.

When I arrived in Australia in 2007, I started and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Brisbane College of Theology and later a Masters of Arts in Theology from the Australian Catholic University. I also hold a Graduate Certificate in Management of Not-For-Profit Organisations which I obtained through Australian Catholic University in 2019. I was ordained to the presbyterate on 8th December, 2010, at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Brisbane, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother.

After my ordination, I was appointed to Surfers Paradise Parish, where I spent two and half years as an Associate Pastor. My time there was filled with wonderful and memorable experiences. Next came Saint Mary’s, Beaudesert, where I found a home among the country people for over 3 years. At the completion of my time at Beaudesert, I was appointed as Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s, Coomera where my pastoral ministry was further deepened and enriched. While the seminary may, perhaps, be regarded as the nursery grounds for priestly training and formation, it is my view that is in the Parish among the People of God that the heart and soul of the pastor is prepared for pastoral ministry. My time at Coomera shaped and formed me to a large extent into the pastor I think I am becoming, and I have no doubt that my ongoing formation and training will continue as I pitch my tent amongst you here on the north side of Brisbane.

As your Parish Priest, I come to you not only as one of you, but also as your spiritual leader, a steward of your temporal goods, a son, a brother, a friend and your servant-leader. The first time I came to the Parish office, I was warmly welcomed by Kerstin, Dianne and Margaret. I also received an overwhelming welcome on the night of the casual meeting with some members of the parish. I cannot say with any sense of certainty what the future holds for us; however, I can say with great conviction, that God holds our future.  Faith is not knowing what holds the future, but knowing Who holds the future, and for us, it is always God. With your help and cooperation and, of course, by the grace of God, I will do my best to serve you as together we will continue the good works God has accomplished through the ministry of Fr. Gerard, Fr Paul and Mons John Grace and those who preceded them.

I am quite humbled by the honour and the privilege, Archbishop Mark Coleridge and the College of Consultors, have given me to lead and serve you, as your Parish Priest, and now as Dean of the North East Deanery. I am grateful.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary under whose patronage this parish thrives always accompany us on our journey of faith. May her loving and maternal hands and intercessions always lead me as I serve you as your Priest and Pastor.

Let us remember…

“God is Good… All the Time…

All the Time… God is Good…”

God bless you all,

Fr John.

Very Reverend Fr John Ikechukwu Echewodo PP,

Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Angels’ Parish, Chermside.

Dean of the North East Deanery, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.