Hello St. Benedict Parish Family!

I am happy to introduce myself as your new Director of Faith Formation. Having officially stepped into this role in June 2026, I look forward to walking alongside all of you on our shared journey of faith.

A Little About Me

For those whom I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting, here is a quick look at my background, roots, and connection to our community:

• My Family: My wife, Annie, and I moved to New Jersey back in 2008. We have two wonderful teenage children, Brendan and Lily. Both of my kids went through our Faith Formation programs, receiving their First Holy Communion and Confirmation right here at our parish.
• My Roots & Ordination: I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where my spiritual foundation was built at St. Athanasius Church. Bishop David M. O’Connell, CM, ordained me to the permanent diaconate on November 15, 2025.
• Parish & Diocesan Ministry: I have been teaching religious education and involved with youth for over 20 years in various capacities and parishes. During the school year, I serve as the Middle School Religion Teacher here at St. Benedict’s. I am also an adjunct professor for the Diocese of Trenton Deacon formation program through Seton Hall University.
• Scouting Leadership: A lifelong advocate for youth mentorship, I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2002. I spent several years working professionally for Scouting as a District Executive and Program Director, where I managed two camps in New York and New Jersey, overseeing both summer and year-round programs.
• Community Service: I continue to support our local first responders by serving as a volunteer Fire Chaplain for Hazlet Township.
• Education: I hold a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Seton Hall University.

In my daily life and ministry, I try to model everything around the ancient Benedictine motto, Ora et Labora "Pray and Work". I am incredibly passionate about teaching our beautiful Catholic faith and bringing that energy into our parish and school communities.