Fr. Jayd Neely was born in Iowa and grew up in Oklahoma City.  He was raised Methodist, but a difficult adolescence led him on a spiritual journey which culminated in his becoming Catholic his freshman year of college.  Fr. Neely graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in History of Science.  Later, he spent several years with the Discalced Carmelite Friars before becoming a seminarian for the Diocese of Nashville under Bishop Choby. 

After completing his seminary studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Fr. Neely moved to Tennessee.  He was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2012 and was assigned as the Associate Pastor of the Cathedral of Incarnation for four years.  During his last year at the Cathedral, he also served as Chaplain of Mary, Queen of Angels Assisted Living Center.  He began his term as Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in August of 2016.

Fr. Neely enjoys reading, watching movies, hiking, and spending time with his new niece, Clover.