Fr Paul Symonds was born in England.  He was ordained priest in 1976.  From 1979 to 1989 he ministered in Belgium, Holland, France and Rome.  He came to Down and Connor in October 1989.  He was a member of the Columbanus Community of Reconciliation in Belfast from 1989 to 1992, serving during that time in the parishes of Whitehouse and Holy Family, as well as in the Maze Prison.

From 1992 to 1998 he ministered in the Parish of Drumbo in South Belfast, before being appointed spiritual director in St Malachy’s college.  He was appointed to the parish of Glenavy and Killead in August 2002 and then to the parish of Kirkinriola (Ballymena) in August 2003.  He is especially committed to reconciliation and the unity of Christians.  He enjoys close links with the Benedictine monks of Holy Cross Monastery, Rostrevor, Co Down.