The Early Years

• Born August 10, 1969 in Corning, New York and raised in Horseheads, New York
• Baptized June 20, 1970 at St. Catherine's of Siena in Addison, New York.
• About 1980 my parents divorced.  After that I lived with my mother and older brother.  We first resided with our Grandmother in Addison, New York. and then in Cameron, New York.  My younger brother lived with us for a while and then went to live with our dad.
• Confirmed November 28, 1981at St. Catherine's of Siena in Addison, New York.

The Non-Religious Years

• Once I was confirmed I did not attend church with the exception of the occasional weddings and funerals.  During this period, I always had some "minimal" amount of faith but I did not have a regular prayer life.  I stopped going for two primary reasons.  First, I found the local pastor boring and non-engaging.  Secondly, my mother was not going so it seemed there was no reason for me to go.
• While in high school I did engage in service by being a member of the Library Club for 4 years.  I was also a member of the National Honor Society for two years and was part of the Yearbook staff my senior year.
• From 1987-1991 I was enrolled at Alfred University studying Ceramic Engineering.  I was not active in Church or service.  I was a member of Keramos (a Ceramic Engineering Honor Society) and Tau Beta Pi (general engineering society).
• After graduation in May 1991 I was unemployed till April 1992.  For the rest of 1992, I worked as a technician at Corning, Inc. before I was laid off.  In May 1993 I returned to the work for the New York State Department of Transportation in Region 6 as a Construction Inspector.  I had worked two summers for them in college.  Then, I spent the next seven years doing Civil Engineering work for them.

January 1998
Back to Church

• In the fall of 1997, I began to be called back to Church and on the first Sunday in January returned to Church and began regularly attending Mass at St. Mary's of the Lake in Watkins Glen, NY, part of the Schuyler Catholic Community. 

St. Mary's of the Lake

The Early Discernment Years

• After making a weekend retreat at my parish I began to volunteer at my parish "behind the scenes" as I did not like being in front of people.
• As time went along my involvement in Church continued to grow and in March 1999 I received the first signs that I had a call to the priesthood.
• I discussed the call with my Pastor and continued to do so throughout my journey until his death on March 13, 2002.  And I believe that as we became best friends, he continues to aid me from above in my journey.
• In June 1999, I had my first meeting with the Vocations Director for my Diocese.
• Then in July 1999, I began meeting with a spiritual director to help me in discerning my call to the priesthood.
• In the fall of 1999, I took Introduction to Philosophy at a local community college to decide if I would enjoy the philosophy necessary to enter the seminary.
• During December 1999 I have my second meeting with Diocesan Vocations Director and I attended a Diocesan Gathering for perspective seminarians.
• Then, in March 2000, I had my third Meeting with Diocesan Vocation Director where I informed him that I would like to begin my studies in the fall.
• In April 2000, I met with a member of the Diocesan Priestly Formation Board, Fr. Robert Schrader of St. Mary's Parish in Auburn, NY for an interview.  Shortly thereafter I received approval to begin my studies.
• In June 2000, I made my first retreat spending a day and a half in the silence of Mount Savior monastery in Big Flats, New York.  The quiet setting was what I needed to make that final decision to take the next step.  

The Pre-Theology Years

Becket Hall

• At the end of the August 2000, I quit my job and moved to Becket Hall, the pre-theology house for the Diocese of Rochester.
• During this period I completed 30 additional hours in Philosophy and 18 hours in Religious Studies and received a B.A. in Philosophy.  The minimum for pre-theology is 24 hours in Philosophy and 12 hours in Religious Studies.  During this period I also completed two graduate level theology classes.  At Becket we are required to engage in ministry while we complete our studies.  I assisted with the Youth Groups at St. Boniface Parish and also assisted with their group of Ministers of Communion who took Communion to nursing home residents.
• During this period I made my first week long retreat at Stella Maris in Skaneateles, NY. It was a preached retreat.  By preached retreat I mean there were talks given two to three times a day on spiritual issues and quiet time to reflect on them.  It was a wonderful way to encounter God
• In May 2002, I was approved by my Bishop to begin studies at Theological College Seminary in Washington, D.C.
• I spent my summers in 2001 and 2002 working as the Chaplain at Camp Babcock-Hovey, a Boy Scout Camp for the Finger Lakes Council.

The Major Seminary Years

Theological College

St. Mary's Parish

• On August 21st I began the next stage of studies to be a Priest at the Theological College seminary in Washington, D.C. while taking classes at Catholic University of America. 
• In addition to the academic classes, we have Formation Talks by the Rector followed by group discussions.  I also have a Formation Advisor and Spiritual Advisor to assist me with my human and spiritual development as a Christian person.

• For my first semester (Fall 2002) I served as Secretary for the House Social Justice Committee and I completed the following classes:
  • Latin for Reading Comprehension
  • Introduction to Christian Spirituality
  • Introduction to the History and Methods of Theology
  • Introduction to the Christian Moral Life
  • Proseminar
• As part of our human formation we are encouraged to enjoy the city of Washington, D.C. while we are here.  During the fall semester I visited the National Building Museum.

• We started the semester with a 5 day retreat.  I was at Priestfield Pastoral Center.  The retreat presenter was a Sulpican priest.  (The Society of St. Sulpice runs the seminary).  (See my retreat page for more information). 
• During the Spring 2003 Semester I continued to serve as Secretary for the Social Justice Committee.  I completed the following classes:
  • Pauline Letters
  • Christology
  • Theology of Church
  • Marriage and Family
• I also did Direct Service to the Poor Ministry by working at Damien Ministries Food Bank approximately three hours a week.
• During the semester I took some time during the Easter break to visit the National Museum of American History.  One of the places I regularly like to visit and pray their outdoor Stations of the Cross is The Franciscan Monastery- The Holy Land of America.

• I have completed my first parish assignment.  I was assigned to St. Mary's Parish in Auburn, NY with the Pastor Rev. Robert Schrader.  Some of my duties included preaching regularly at weekday masses, hospital and home visits, religious education, Vacation Bible School, assisting at funerals (I did one Committal Service), and I assisted with the parish activity for the Diocesan Capital Campaign, Partners in Faith.  Lastly, I assisted with the implementation of the new General Instruction for the Roman Missal.

• While in Auburn I visited the Seward House, the home of William Seward, Secretary of State to Abraham Lincoln.

• I served as Chair of the House Social Justice Committee for the 2003/4 academic year.
• I began my Basic Supervised Ministry at the Jeanne Jugan Residence for the Aged run by the Little Sisters of the Poor.  Basic Supervised Ministry is a practicum class with two hours of lecture a week and 5 hours spent working in ministry under the supervision of the staff of the facility.  Most of my work will be one on one ministry or leading small groups.  Generally, it is most commonly done at a hospital or nursing home but other types of assignments are possible.  The Jeanne Jugan Residence where I will be houses elderly poor ranging from those capable of independent living to those who need regular nursing assistance.
• I completed the following classes:
  • Introduction to Liturgical Preaching
  • The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, & Luke)
  • Basic Principles of Canon Law
  • Basic Supervised Ministry I
• On August 29, 2003 I visited the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veteran's Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.  Check out what I saw and the thoughts it generated by clicking here.
• On September 1, 2003 I visited the National Gallery of Art (West Building).  I mention the west building specifically because it is where most of the religious art is found.  I do not have an appreciation for art but I do enjoy religious art and found the displays quite interesting and thought provoking.
• On September 18-19th, 2003 Hurricane Isabel passed through the DC Metro Area.  In light of the amount of destruction done by the storm including at least 15 deaths and over 2 million people without power, I consider myself lucky.  First, Isabel weakened to a tropical storm before it passed and Isabel did not pass directly through the DC as expected.  Unfortunately for others, it went west of here.  So the DC area experienced about 2 inches of rain and 60 mph winds.  They were forecasting as much as 6 inches of rain.  Theological College is in the Northeast quadrant of Washington, DC.  As the storm shifting to the west, we found ourselves in a hole in the storm.  However, there are several trees down.  This is the closest I have been to an hurricane and it is too close for me.  It was something to watch the clouds go by last night.  Somehow it revealed the awesome power of nature and the incredible power of God who creates all things.

• We started the semester with a 5 day retreat.  Once again, I was at Priestfield Pastoral Center. The retreat presenter was a Sulpican priest.  (See my retreat page for more information).
• I continued as Chair of the House Social Justice Committee for the 2003/4 academic year.
• I continued my Basic Supervised Ministry at the Jeanne Jugan Residence for the Aged.
• I completed the following classes:
  • Advanced Preaching
  • Gospel of John
  • Canon Law and Sacramental Ministry
  • Social Action Ministry
  • Basic Supervised Ministry II
• On April 7, 2004 I went down to see the Cherry Blossoms along the Tidal Basin.  Click here to see a few pictures.
• On April 30, 2004 I went to the new World War II Memorial (or http://www.wwiimemorial.com) that opened the day before.  Click here to see a few pictures.

• From June 2004 - August 2004, I completed eleven (11) weeks of Clinical Pastoral Education at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.  I functioned as one of several hospital chaplains while working with a peer group and supervisor to improve the quality of my ministry.
• August 2004 - August 2005-  I worked full-time at Church of the Assumption Parish in Fairport, NY with the pastor Rev. Edward L. Palumbos.  I helped with funeral ministry, home and hospital visits, started a baptismal follow-up program, taught some RCIA classes, worked with a couple of the social ministry programs, the stewardship committee, liturgy committee, started a vocation awareness team, and other miscellaneous duties.  There were some tough times when I have gotten very busy or had to do something I didn't care for but you have that in any job.  Overall, I enjoyed my time at the parish.  Click here to read about my pastoral year in much greater detail
• One of the last things for my pastoral year was to make another retreat.  This time I chose to make my first directed retreat at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls, Canada.  See my pastoral year page or my retreat page for more information.

• I completed the following classes
  • Prophets
  • Sacraments of Initiation
  • Biomedical Ethics
  • Black Church History
• My ministry assignment this semester was at Mt. Calvary Parish in Forestville, MD.  My involvement included baptismal preparation, liturgy, and Children's Liturgy of the Word.

• I completed the following classes
  • Revelation and Faith
  • Early and Modern Church History
  • Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing
  • Liturgical & Sacramental Practice
• I completed my ministry assignment at Mt. Calvary Parish in Forestville, MD.  My two primary duties this semester were to continue to assist at Sunday Mass and leading an adult Lenten program discussing the history of Lent in the Church, Stations of the Cross, conversion, and fasting.  This was a small group of about twelve people.  It was a great job who were very interested and asked lots of questions which I like because it shows they really are interested.  I also assisted at the Easter Triduum and the parish Confirmation mass.

• One of the last things I did before my ordination is to make my diaconal retreat.  My Diaconal retreat is a five day directed retreat at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre.  I made my retreat just a few days before ordination and found this very helpful to clear my mind of all the little details of upcoming events and to examine my own readiness and spiritual questions before ordination.  Am I ready to make the promises of diaconal ordination?  With God's grace, yes.  
• Since the retreat center is in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada) I took several walks to see the Falls.  Walking is always a good way to unwind.  Click here to see a few pictures.
• For a list of some of the prerequisites for ordination click here.   

June 3, 2006

• On June 3, 2006 I was ordained a Transitional Diaconate of the Diocese of Rochester at Sacred Heart Cathedral!  

• It has been six years in the coming (with one more to go for priesthood God-willing).  The ordination was a wonderful experience along with my first mass as a deacon the next day in Watkins Glen at my home parish St. Mary's of the Lake, part of the Schuyler Catholic Community.

• Being ordained was certainly a grace filled sacrament.  There is a lot of things that go on in the ordination.  In all of this the Holy Spirit was definitely present for me.

• Click here to read more about how I experienced ordination.

• I returned to Church of the Assumption Parish in Fairport, NY with the pastor Rev. Edward L. Palumbos where I served for my pastoral year for my summer assignment.  Once again I helped with funeral ministry, home, worked with the baptismal follow-up program.  As a deacon, I also preached and baptized fourteen babies.  Baptisms were the highlight of the summer.  It is a privilege to preside at baptisms, welcoming the children into the Body of Christ.  Here are some highlights of the summer. 
  • On June 11, 2006 I did my first baptisms.  It was a set of twin girls.  It was a pretty incredible feeling to bed God's instrument as these two girls received the Sacrament of Baptism and were reborn in the Spirit becoming members of the Body of Christ.   It charged me up again like I was at Diaconate Ordination and Deaconing my first mass.
  • On July 9, 2006, I presided at my first baptisms outside of mass.  I celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for five beautiful infants.  When I baptized the twin girls on June 11, 2006, I was not expecting to do those baptisms.  There was a cancellation of another event that made me available to do the baptisms.  This time, I was scheduled to baptize the five children so I spent time thinking about it, asking questions, and practicing.  When the time came I did it and I believe it went well.  I know I believe it was truly a grace-filled moment.
  • Since my ordination, particularly when I preach, people have commented on how much more confident I am.  I agree.  My answer is that I do feel more confident and that this means the ordination did what it is intended to do.  The Holy Spirit has come upon me in a new and exciting way.
• It was this summer that I formally became a member of the Knights of Columbus, joining Council Council #6158 of Horseheads, NY.  The Knights of Columbus have a scholarship program providing yearly funds to seminarians.  These funds were the source of my personal introduction to the Knights of Columbus.  However, that is not their sole purpose.  They are a group of men, united to support one another, provide assistance for those in need, and support Catholic teaching.

• I completed the following classes
  • Christian Anthropology
  • Eucharist & Ordained Ministries
  • Doctrine of God
  • Moral Pastoral Practice Seminar
• My parish ministry this year is at St. Mark the Evangelist in Hyattsville, MD.  I assist with the RCIA program.  I preach every Friday at Daily Mass and once a month on Sundays.  I have also preside at Holy Hours for the youth group.
• On October 14, 2006 I joined a friend and visited Ford Theater, Petersen House, and Arlington Cemetery.  Click here to read about it and see some pictures.
• As part of my formation I reflected on how I will honor the Sunday Sabbath.  Click here to read my reflection.

• I completed the following classes
  • Eschatology
  • Social Ethics
  • Ministry of the Liturgical Presider
• I also wrote a paper on Catholic School Controversy in America during the 19th Century.
• I am ministering at St. Mark the Evangelist in Hyattsville, MD.  I assist with the RCIA program.  I preach every Friday at Daily Mass and once a month on Sundays.  I have also preside at Holy Hours for the youth group.
• As part of concluding this stage of formation (seminary) I reflected on what priesthood means to me.  Click here to read this reflection.

The last item to be completed was my canonical retreat for priesthood.  I made my retreat at The Abbey of the Genesee where I reflected on the Rite of Ordination and what being a priest means to me.

My Ordination to the Priesthood was June 30, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. 

at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  

Click here to see some pictures of the Ordination or my First Mass of Thanksgiving.