Introduction
The Reverend Father Joe Ellis is a Catholic Priest
I made the right decision to quit school in 1977 to join the British Army infantry, and I have no regrets about it. My sole regret is that I did not enrol in the Royal Army's Chaplain's Division. With hindsight, I would have appreciated it more.
—Rev Fr. Joe Ellis
—Rev Fr. Joe Ellis
The Reverend Fr. Joe Ellis
The Reverend Father Joe Ellis, born in Bethnal Green in East London on December 26, 1960, was baptised as a Roman Catholic soon after his birth.
Janet, Joe’s mother, is now 85 years old and adheres to the Roman Catholic faith. Both Joe and Janet routinely attended church and had similar religious convictions.
Joe has had a challenging childhood. Throughout his entire youth, he lived in solitude and endured consistent and intense physical, emotional, and psychological mistreatment from bullies and, sometimes, his own father. This mistreatment persisted until he completed his education.
Joe received a formal diagnosis of autism in 2008, which may account for his peculiar conduct and idiosyncrasies. Autism has been a lifelong issue for him, particularly as he ages, but he manages it well. In addition to his autism, he has additional limitations, which he adeptly conceals, particularly in public.
Joe largely relies on his wife, Dr. Sandra Beale-Ellis, (as pictured below) for assistance. Sandra, who received a clinical diagnosis of autism as an adult, is a champion for autism. She has published two books on the issue. Joe often mentions that he does well in life with the constant support of a full-time doctor at home.
Joe has accumulated nearly 50 years of experience in the field of karate and has served as the chairman of three national governing bodies. He now serves as the chief executive, part time, of the NAKMAS National Governing Body, a position he took up in February 2024 after stepping down as the NAKMAS National Chair, a voluntary role he has held since January 1992. Additionally, he holds the rank of 8th Dan within karate and is recognised as a Grandmaster in the art.
He actively participated in Freemasonry for an extended period, serving as the Master of his lodge (Sharpers Hall 9196) and also holding the position of secretary in a specialised charity lodge called The Millennium Lodge of Charity in East Kent (9730). He was particularly drawn to the philanthropic aspect of freemasonry, particularly after his involvement in the Boys Brigade during the 1960s, where he won the annual charity trophy for three consecutive years by raising the highest amount of money. This remarkable accomplishment as a young child naturally motivated him to join freemasonry, as it strongly emphasises charitable endeavours.
In 2013, Joe served as the Master of his Masonic lodge. After taking a break from studying masonic ritual, he dedicated a significant amount of time to studying theology. In 2020, Joe was ordained and assumed the responsibilities of a priest, carrying out clerical duties in East Sussex. He derives great satisfaction from serving as a clergyman within the community and assisting those who are most vulnerable. Joe is renowned for his inclusive approach in engaging with everyone throughout the community. He really appreciates this facet of Christian service, and people thoroughly enjoy their interactions with him.
Joe, who is of the age of 64, has been dealing with his wife Sandra's severe illness for the past three years, during which she has spent time in critical care on two separate occasions. She continues to need extensive medical treatment in Kent and London. In addition, Joe's mother's health has deteriorated in recent years, but she remains completely self-sufficient. Joe consistently provides her with his unwavering love and support.
One of his most cherished biblical lines is: 'Our faith can move mountains'. With Joe's presence, it is definitely achievable!
—Libby Ellison, PA, to the Reverend Joe Ellis
Introduction last updated 11 September 2025
Janet, Joe’s mother, is now 85 years old and adheres to the Roman Catholic faith. Both Joe and Janet routinely attended church and had similar religious convictions.
Joe has had a challenging childhood. Throughout his entire youth, he lived in solitude and endured consistent and intense physical, emotional, and psychological mistreatment from bullies and, sometimes, his own father. This mistreatment persisted until he completed his education.
Joe received a formal diagnosis of autism in 2008, which may account for his peculiar conduct and idiosyncrasies. Autism has been a lifelong issue for him, particularly as he ages, but he manages it well. In addition to his autism, he has additional limitations, which he adeptly conceals, particularly in public.
Joe largely relies on his wife, Dr. Sandra Beale-Ellis, (as pictured below) for assistance. Sandra, who received a clinical diagnosis of autism as an adult, is a champion for autism. She has published two books on the issue. Joe often mentions that he does well in life with the constant support of a full-time doctor at home.
Joe has accumulated nearly 50 years of experience in the field of karate and has served as the chairman of three national governing bodies. He now serves as the chief executive, part time, of the NAKMAS National Governing Body, a position he took up in February 2024 after stepping down as the NAKMAS National Chair, a voluntary role he has held since January 1992. Additionally, he holds the rank of 8th Dan within karate and is recognised as a Grandmaster in the art.
He actively participated in Freemasonry for an extended period, serving as the Master of his lodge (Sharpers Hall 9196) and also holding the position of secretary in a specialised charity lodge called The Millennium Lodge of Charity in East Kent (9730). He was particularly drawn to the philanthropic aspect of freemasonry, particularly after his involvement in the Boys Brigade during the 1960s, where he won the annual charity trophy for three consecutive years by raising the highest amount of money. This remarkable accomplishment as a young child naturally motivated him to join freemasonry, as it strongly emphasises charitable endeavours.
In 2013, Joe served as the Master of his Masonic lodge. After taking a break from studying masonic ritual, he dedicated a significant amount of time to studying theology. In 2020, Joe was ordained and assumed the responsibilities of a priest, carrying out clerical duties in East Sussex. He derives great satisfaction from serving as a clergyman within the community and assisting those who are most vulnerable. Joe is renowned for his inclusive approach in engaging with everyone throughout the community. He really appreciates this facet of Christian service, and people thoroughly enjoy their interactions with him.
Joe, who is of the age of 64, has been dealing with his wife Sandra's severe illness for the past three years, during which she has spent time in critical care on two separate occasions. She continues to need extensive medical treatment in Kent and London. In addition, Joe's mother's health has deteriorated in recent years, but she remains completely self-sufficient. Joe consistently provides her with his unwavering love and support.
One of his most cherished biblical lines is: 'Our faith can move mountains'. With Joe's presence, it is definitely achievable!
—Libby Ellison, PA, to the Reverend Joe Ellis
Introduction last updated 11 September 2025
In every prayer offered for the afflicted, we become vessels of divine intervention, for while we may be unable to reach out, our faith can move mountains in the realm of the spirit —Rev Fr. Joe Ellis
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Homily: Moving Mountains with Mustard Seed Faith
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
When I was a young, I remember being both inspired and confused by this passage. I thought to myself, "Well, I believe in God. I pray every day. But I've never moved a mountain." Maybe you've had similar thoughts. If faith the size of a tiny mustard seed can move mountains, why do we still face so many immovable obstacles in our lives?
I think we misunderstand what Jesus means by "moving mountains." In the ancient world, mountains represented seemingly impossible challenges. When Jesus speaks of moving mountains, He's not giving us a formula for performing spectacular physical miracles. Rather, He's inviting us to recognise the transformative power of authentic faith.
What is this authentic faith? It's not simply intellectual belief. It's not merely saying, "Yes, I believe in God." True faith is trust and surrender. It's placing our lives completely in God's hands, knowing that His wisdom far exceeds our own.
The mustard seed is tiny—one of the smallest seeds known in Jesus' time—yet it grows into a large bush where birds can nest. Similarly, even a small amount of genuine faith can grow and transform our lives in ways we never imagined possible.
I'm reminded of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who taught us the "Little Way." She didn't perform dramatic miracles or convert entire nations. Instead, she did small things with great love, trusting completely in God's mercy. Her faith, like a mustard seed, moved mountains—not of rock and stone, but mountains of pride, fear, and doubt.
In our own lives, what are the mountains we need to move? Perhaps it's a mountain of resentment toward someone who has hurt us. Maybe it's a mountain of anxiety about the future. Or it could be a mountain of habitual sin that seems impossible to overcome.
Jesus assures us today that with faith—even a small amount of genuine trust in God—nothing is impossible. The mountains in our lives can move. But we must remember that God works according to His wisdom, not our timeline or preferences.
When we pray with faith, sometimes the mountain moves dramatically and immediately. Other times, God gives us the strength and patience to climb that mountain step by step. And occasionally, He helps us realise that the mountain we wanted removed was actually placed there for our growth and sanctification.
As we continue our Mass today, let us ask the Lord to increase our faith. Let us bring before Him those mountains in our lives that seem immovable. And let us trust that with God, nothing is impossible.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
When I was a young, I remember being both inspired and confused by this passage. I thought to myself, "Well, I believe in God. I pray every day. But I've never moved a mountain." Maybe you've had similar thoughts. If faith the size of a tiny mustard seed can move mountains, why do we still face so many immovable obstacles in our lives?
I think we misunderstand what Jesus means by "moving mountains." In the ancient world, mountains represented seemingly impossible challenges. When Jesus speaks of moving mountains, He's not giving us a formula for performing spectacular physical miracles. Rather, He's inviting us to recognise the transformative power of authentic faith.
What is this authentic faith? It's not simply intellectual belief. It's not merely saying, "Yes, I believe in God." True faith is trust and surrender. It's placing our lives completely in God's hands, knowing that His wisdom far exceeds our own.
The mustard seed is tiny—one of the smallest seeds known in Jesus' time—yet it grows into a large bush where birds can nest. Similarly, even a small amount of genuine faith can grow and transform our lives in ways we never imagined possible.
I'm reminded of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who taught us the "Little Way." She didn't perform dramatic miracles or convert entire nations. Instead, she did small things with great love, trusting completely in God's mercy. Her faith, like a mustard seed, moved mountains—not of rock and stone, but mountains of pride, fear, and doubt.
In our own lives, what are the mountains we need to move? Perhaps it's a mountain of resentment toward someone who has hurt us. Maybe it's a mountain of anxiety about the future. Or it could be a mountain of habitual sin that seems impossible to overcome.
Jesus assures us today that with faith—even a small amount of genuine trust in God—nothing is impossible. The mountains in our lives can move. But we must remember that God works according to His wisdom, not our timeline or preferences.
When we pray with faith, sometimes the mountain moves dramatically and immediately. Other times, God gives us the strength and patience to climb that mountain step by step. And occasionally, He helps us realise that the mountain we wanted removed was actually placed there for our growth and sanctification.
As we continue our Mass today, let us ask the Lord to increase our faith. Let us bring before Him those mountains in our lives that seem immovable. And let us trust that with God, nothing is impossible.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
†
Contact The Reverend Fr. Joe Ellis
Contact The Reverend Fr. Joe Ellis
Telephone: 01227 376180 | Text/SMS: 07908683134
Email: joe@revjoeellis.church | Personal Assistant: libby@revjoeellis.church
PO Box 630, Ashford, Kent, TN23 9AQ, England
Email: joe@revjoeellis.church | Personal Assistant: libby@revjoeellis.church
PO Box 630, Ashford, Kent, TN23 9AQ, England