I am very excited that Bishop Tobin assigned me as your new pastor. Fr. David has been very gracious to me; introducing me to the many good people of the parish the many good works that this parish accomplishes. I look forward to getting to know you, and most especially I look forward to serving you as pastor.
By way of introduction, I can share some of my background with you. I am a native Rhode Islander (no doubt my accent will give me away). I grew up in Warwick near Hoxsie Four Corners (or in true Rhode Island fashion: near where Benny’s was). I attended public school until college. My vocation to the priesthood began when I started serving as an altar server. In sixth grade, I needed service hours. I thought serving would be an easy way to finish and be done with them. Unknown to my family and I, this simple motivation to serve Mass would eventually turn into a vocation to the priesthood. God will use many ways to draw us to Himself! I entered seminary right after High School in 2007. I lived at Our Lady of Providence Seminary and attended classes at Providence College. In 2011 I was assigned to the Pontifical North American College in Rome. I was ordained a priest in 2015 and finished my studies in 2016.
I returned and was assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Parish in East Greenwich for five years until my assignment as pastor here.
When I learned of the patron of my new assignment I was thrilled immediately. The “Little Flower” has captured the minds and hearts of Catholics since her short time on earth from 1873 to 1897. As she herself said: “The good God does not need years to accomplish His work of love in a soul…” Her life and impact on the world certainly show the truth of her words. I look forward to learning more about her as well as the parish of her namesake.
Please pray for me as I will for you. Together may we strive for holiness, love of God, and love of neighbor
St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, pray for us.