Father Michael Branch
Cathedral Dean
dean@stgeorges.org.uk
Father Michael Branch was formed for the priesthood at Campion House, Osterley, and St John’s Seminary, Wonersh. He was ordained priest on the 31st May 1997, serving as assistant priest at St Joseph’s, Roehampton and St Saviour’s, Lewisham. In 2006 he became Parish Priest of St Patrick’s, Plumstead. He then spent nine years as Parish Priest at St Peter’s, Woolwich, before taking on his present position as Dean of St George’s Cathedral. Father Michael is delighted to have returned to the area where he originates. In fact, he was born at the top of Westminster Bridge Road and the Cathedral is where generations of his family have received the sacraments.
See the Dean's Welcome here.
Father Francis Murphy
Sub Dean
frfrancis@stgeorges.org.uk
Fr Francis was born and raised in Dulwich and trained for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome; he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Peter Smith in July 2018. His first appointment was as Assistant Priest at St John the Baptist, Purley, and he took up office as Sub Dean of St George’s Cathedral in September 2021. Following the death of Canon Richard Hearn in October 2021, Fr Francis served as Acting Dean until September 2022.
Father Dermott O'Gorman
Assistant Priest
frdermott@stgeorges.org.uk
Fr Dermott trained for the priesthood at St. John’s Seminary in Wonersh and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John in July 2020. Before this, he was a Civil Servant and worked for some time in this area when he attended daily Mass at the Cathedral. Fr Dermott’s responsibilities include supporting the First Reconciliation/First Holy Communion programme and he is a school chaplain.
For enquiries regarding any of the areas for which Fr Dermott is responsible please email him directly.
Rev Javier Elderfield
Deacon
revjavier@stgeorges.org.uk
Deacon Javier is a married permanent deacon with a family of five children. He was ordained in 2009 and was appointed to St Saviour's parish, Lewisham Deanery, ministering there for twelve years. He works full time as the Chaplaincy coordinator for Christ the King Sixth Forms, based at CTK Emmanuel, Lewisham. Before then he worked as a secondary school music teacher. He and his wife are the Diocesan Marriage and Family Life (MFL) Bereavement ministry coordinators. He is available mostly at weekends to assist the Cathedral liturgies.
Cathedral Staff:
Tricia Gilbride
Cathedral Manager - triciagilbride@stgeorges.org.uk
Haron Copeland
Site & Facilities Manager - facilities@stgeorges.org.uk
Jonathan Schranz
Director of Music - music@stgeorges.org.uk
Frederick Stocken
Organist & Assistant Director of Music
Marion Pritchard
Cathedral Secretary - admin@stgeorges.org.uk
Visiting our Music Department pages to see a full list of Music staff at the Cathedral.
The Archbishop
For information about the Archbishop of Southwark, The Most Reverend John Wilson, please visit the website of the Archdiocese of Southwark.