Before becoming a priest, Father McGrath taught history for about 27 years, in schools in the USA and in Surrey. "I come from the mid-western United States," he explains. "It is a lovely place but maybe just a little bit insular and I thought I would like to see a little more of the world. I thought that I would enjoy England and that it would form an ideal platform to help me see a lot of the rest of the world during holidays. I moved to Surrey in 1987 just before the great hurricane.

"I left teaching because over a number of years I felt a persistent call from God for me to enter the ministry - I couldn't ignore it any more. There was no writing on the wall, just a growing inner feeling.

"The first time we met, I was mightily impressed by him and I have grown to like and respect him. I am sad that he is moving because I will miss the contact with him. Though it is great that he is taking the post, I resent losing him!

"Before moving to Ashtead I spent 14 months working as a curate in Hove. And before that I did a three year training course at St John's a seminary in Wonersh just outside Guildford.

"My task as a priest is to provide the sacramental life, and minister to the needs of the people. I see myself as a workhorse sort of person - Christ is the vision and I am here to preach Christ. We get about 450 for Sunday masses. When this is added to all the other churches that meet in Ashtead, my impression is that this area is a powerhouse of Christianity in this country.

"I don't find that my job fits into any regular schedule - you need to be available for people when they need you. Nobody checks their diary before getting sick!

"For relaxation I love to read. I try to alternate between history and thrillers. American history was my field, but I don't confine myself to that. I'm just about to start reading a new history of the Balkans, which will be interesting. I hope to take occasional lectures and seminars at St Andrews' School.

I also enjoy theatre, cinema and travel as much as time and money will allow. In the past I've enjoyed treks thorough Africa, Asia and South America.

When I decided to train to be a priest I chose to stay in the UK partly through laziness - the thought of packing up and moving back across the Atlantic was more than I could bear, but mainly because I like it over here very much.

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