Lee,
not sure about how to go about tracing him if he was catholic, but if he was anglican (CofE) then its relatively easy.
The first step is looking up his entry in Crockfords Directory. Most reference libraries will have an up to date copy, but not all will have one for the time frame you are looking at. Its worth asking though. I dare say, larger libraries will have a stock of them, I know the National Library in Aberystwyth has one for each year. They were first published about 1858.
If that fails, you should then get in touch with Lambeth Palace library.
http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/London, SE1 7JU, UK
tel: + 44 (0)20 7898 1400 fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 7932
If you send them a letter or fax (no email), they will then look up the Crockfords entry. Usually a priest had also studied at Oxford or Cambridge, so will also have an Alumni entry. I was sent both for my ancestor, who died in 1879. They will ask for a small donation to cover costs, but you will have to use your discretion there.
Hope this helps.
Good luck,
D ap D
