Father Ian Lee was born in Calcutta, India. In 1968 he moved to Forest Hill, South London, where he lived for many years.
He undertook a four-year apprenticeship to become a qualified joiner and served a total of eight years in that capacity with a joinery firm in Beckenham. He went on to teach ex-offenders to train as carpenters and joiners at a project in Southwark. He also had a spell as a self-employed craftsman making and fitting kitchens.
As a parishioner at St William of York Church in Forest Hill, between 1978 and 1986, he made an important contribution by voluntarily using his skills to carry out interior and exterior work on the re-development of the church building. From 1984-1986 he contributed further to his parish church by serving as a Youth Leader, running both the senior and junior youth clubs.
His craftsmanship took him to the National Army Museum as an exhibition carpenter, creating exhibitions representing different periods in history.
Next he moved to the Horniman Museum as a joiner/carpenter and particularly remembers designing and constructing its Beehive exhibit. Here he was promoted to workshop manager. This extra responsibility made him realise that he was still thirsting for something on a higher plane.
In 1996 he applied to study for the Priesthood and was sent to Osterley for a preparatory course. In 1998 he was accepted into Beda College at Rome on a four-year short course. Following this he exercised ministry as a deacon at both Forest Hill and Maidstone. He was ordained priest at Forest Hill on January 8th 2005. He began his appointment as assistant priest at Holy Innocents on February 1st 2005.
Father Ian's great loves are singing and music, particularly playing percussion instruments. He also enjoys contemporary jazz.
He believes in shaping the liturgy to involve the whole community and that the foundation stone of a good parish is the strength of its liturgy, centred on the Eucharist.
Italy had an inspiring influence on him and he loves his return visits there. One day his dream is to have three Italian homes: one in Rome, another in Florence and a third in Sicily. He is an enthusiastic cook and enjoys a variety of foods.
Father Ian loves all sports and is particularly keen on tennis. He is currently looking for a game. Any parishioners willing to take up his challenge?
E-mail Fr Ian