How and when did you arrive at Elon?
I arrived at Elon on August 1st of this year. I was asked by my religious superior to come to Elon and serve as the next Catholic Campus Minister. My most recent assignment was teaching Morality and Philosophy at an inner city Catholic high school in Baltimore. Upon hearing that Elon CCM was my next assignment, I was overjoyed and thrilled to be the next chaplain here.
Tell us about your hometown and family.
I’m from Orchard Park, NY, which is just south of the city of Buffalo and the home of the Buffalo Bills. I’m still a Bills fan to this day. My family was, and still is, a very devoutly Catholic family. I have four brothers including a fraternal twin brother. While I do miss the snow of Buffalo, I am enjoying the beautiful weather here in North Carolina.
How did you decide to become a Franciscan?
During my time at St. Francis High School and then at Franciscan University of Steubenville, I fell in love with the spirit and life of St. Francis of Assisi. So after I graduated with an undergraduate degree in theology in 2003, I joined the friars who had run my high school. I spent many years of prayer, work, and discernment with the friars, and it was then that I knew I would spend the rest of my life serving the Church in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
What has been your favorite part, so far, about serving at Elon?
My favorite part of serving at Elon has been the warmth, enthusiasm, and spirit of welcome that I have received from everyone. I’ve been especially moved by the dedication, faith, and hard work of the students in CCM. They inspire me to be a better priest, Franciscan, and chaplain.
What are some of your favorite things?
Well, my favorite food is chicken wings. I love good chicken wings and I have the belly to prove it! My favorite movie is an old classic, Casablanca, with Humphry Bogart. My favorite hobby is more of an avocation. I’m very dedicated to woodworking and furniture making. I’ve made everything from small boxes and bowls to large chests and tables.
What are you looking forward to while at Elon?
There is an incredible opportunity that lies before us. I deeply believe that our world needs strong Catholic leaders to engage our culture and witness to their Catholic faith. I am excited about helping our students find their voice and learn the skills that they will need to question, challenge, and engage a world and culture that is growing more secular and ever more divided. Today, in response to the New Evangelization, we need to empower our young people to challenge and question the secular world around them. We need to train future evangelists of the Catholic faith. Doing this work is what I look forward to the most here at Elon.
