Dear parishioners,   

Although I am new to St. Ann’s, I’ve been a La Salette person all my life. My home church in Fitchburg, Mass., is a La Salette parish. St. Joseph’s church and school were within walking distance from my family’s apartment.     

I am a middle child, with an older brother and a younger sister. Although our parents are deceased, our extended family is large; I have almost 40 cousins with whom I keep in touch and see often. I enjoy swimming and will dearly miss the parish pool in Orlando, but I’m sure there are pools in Marietta. 

I graduated summa cum laude from Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy. I also received a master’s degree in sacred theology from the Catholic University of America. I was ordained to the priesthood May 17, 1980.   

My first assignment was at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hartford, Conn., where I was part of a team of three priests and two nuns who shared the parish leadership. I then became co-pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Dagenham, Essex, England. During my eight years there, I was heavily involved in educational activities. London’s West End was my hangout on my days off. I saw hundreds of plays, musicals and the occasional movie. 

I returned stateside and was pastor for three years at St. Clement’s Church in Calhoun, Ga. In 1993 I was named pastor of Blessed Trinity Church in Orlando. 

I was elected La Salette Vicar Provincial in 1997. This full-time position necessitated a move to Hartford, Conn. I helped unify the four U.S. La Salette provinces into one. During a sabbatical I studied Spanish and worked in Argentina.   

I was then appointed pastor of St. Oliver Plunkett Church in Snellville, where I served for 13 years. I went to language school in Guadalajara, Mexico to help serve the parish’s Hispanic ministry. In 2012, I was again elected Vicar Provincial, by now a part-time position, so I was able to stay at St. Oliver’s.   

In 2014 I became Director of La Salette Laity in North America. For two years I was on the road, promoting La Salette and welcoming members to this new ministry before handing the reins over to the laity leaders. I then became pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Orlando, a multilingual, vibrant community with a school. I enjoyed being a tour guide to the area theme parks and attractions. 

Although I know much about St. Ann’s, I look forward to learning about your needs and hopes as a parish. I’ll share my values of ministry and service that are foundational to being a La Salette community in the Aug. 6 bulletin. 

God bless, 

Father Jim