wilson was ordained to the priesthood on 29 july 1995 for the diocese of leeds. after doing pastoral work from 1995 to 1999, wilson began teaching moral theology at st cuthbert’s seminary, ushaw college, durham, in 1999, then latterly served as vice-rector; he also completed a phd at durham university. in 2005, he was appointed episcopal vicar for evangelisation in the diocese of leeds, a role he held until 2012. from 2008 to 2014 he was also sessional chaplain at hmp leeds. in 2011 he was named a chaplain to his holiness by pope benedict xvi. during the vacancy of the see, he was elected administrator of the diocese of leeds by the college of consultors from september 2012 to november 2014. from 2015 to 2016 he served as parish priest of st martin de porres, wakefield.