Father Dominic O'Toole: I was a business consultant, then I saw the light
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I decided to make a change when I was about 30. I'd spent my working life in retail as a buyer for head office before moving into consultancy work for small companies. I was really driven by work and it defined much of my personality. But I came to the realisation that something was missing. I had this nagging feeling that I should be doing something different with my life – more importantly that I should be devoting my life to God through a religious order.
I'm based in St Mary's in Clapham, south London. It's a busy parish and the days are long. I spent most of yesterday morning at a hospice, speaking to people who are close to death. Later on I was due to have a meeting with a couple about a baptism. That's a typical day, you are privileged to be present at key moments in people's lives.
I don't miss the outside world or my former job because I'm still very much involved in what is happening around me. This is not the kind of order that remains hidden in an ivory tower and I'm very clear that I have made the right decision. Like any job there are difficult days but most of the time I love what I do.
Father Dominic O'Toole, 39, is a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, an order more commonly known as the Redemptorists. Followers take the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments