Richard taught at Oxford University as well as Cambridge University, where he tutored the future "seminary priest" Alexander Briant. Leaving Oxford without a degree, Holtby proceeded to the English College at Douay, where he arrived by way of Antwerp, in August 1577, and was received into the Roman Catholic Church. He was ordained priest at Cambrai on 29 March 1578. The college was relocated to Reims, where Holtby continued his theological studies until February 1579, when he was sent on the English mission. He returned to England, probably on a merchant ship belonging to the Hodgsons of Hebburn. The Hodgsons regularly gave passage to priests from the continent to Shields, Hebburn, and Newcastle. After resting at Hebburn Hall they were passed on to other "safe houses" in the North.