Father John

Father John was born in Dobbs Ferry, a small river community in the Hudson Valley
on 2 June 1948. He grew up in the Village of Irvington, New York, which is the
home of Washington Irving. He attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine Apostolic
School from 1962 -1966. He entered the Order of Augustinian Recollects in 1966
as a novice. He made simple vows in August, 1967 and solemn vows in 1972 at
the Monastery of St. Augustine, Kansas City, Kansas.
        Fr. John majored in economics and philosophy at Rockhurst University, Kansas
City, Missouri from where he graduated magna cum laude in May, 1971. He
earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Fordham University, New York
in 1973. He entered Woodstock college, Jesuit School of Theology, New York
City and earned a Master of Divinity (3 year program) in 1974. In 1975 he
earned advanced degree in Sacred Scripture from Union Theological School,
New York City, 1975.

        On 14 June 1975, Flag Day, Bishop Patrick Ahearn, of the Archdiocese of New York,
ordained Father John to the priesthood in Immaculate Conception Church,
Irvington, the church where he was baptized, received first Eucharist and was
confirmed.

        In 1981 Fr. John joined the Diocese of Albany, New York and was incardinated into
the Diocese in 1986.

Priestly Career

1975- 1981 Parish Priest, Holy Ghost Church, Omaha Nebraska
During his tenure at Holy Ghost, he was a member of
the faculty at Daniel J. Gross High school, Omaha.

1981 Parish Priest , St. Mary’s Little Falls, New York

1981-1985 Faculty Member, St. Patrick’s Central High School, Catskill, New York
He taught economics, psychology, and religious studies. In 1985 the
graduating class dedicated their Year Book to him and he was, then, assigned
to college and university ministry at Oneonta, NY

1985-1995 Campus Priest, Hartwick College, Oneonta and State College at Oneonta

1986-1995 Adjunct Professor of Religion, Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York

Fr. John established the World Religions Department at Hartwick College
teaching Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Isalm.

1995-2000 Appointed Pastor, St. John the Baptist Church, Schenectady, New York

After celebrating 25 years of priesthood at St. John the Baptist Church, the Diocese sent
Father John to St. Marys + Our Lady of the Lake + Cooperstown, New York and began a new
chapter in his service at St. Mary’s. He has encouraged the laity to full and active participation
in the life of the parish. He is patiently dedicated to quality in the parish Religious Education
program.