He taught Scripture in St Kieran's College, Kilkenny (1973–80) before returning to study in Rome and concurrently serving as  Spiritual Director at the Pontifical Irish College, Rome (1980–85).
He was an educator at St Kieran's College, Kilkenny (1973–80), before pursuing further studies in Rome and serving as a spiritual mentor at the Pontifical Irish College, Rome (1980–85).