I was born in Denver, Colorado where I grew up with my parents and three brothers, the oldest of whom is Fr. Gregory.  He and I were ordained priests in Fatima in 2003 and are both members of the missionary community Work of Jesus the High Priest – Family of Mary. After having several missionary experiences in Russia (together with Fr. Francesco, Pastor of St. Henry in Gresham), I joined the community in 1995 following my high school graduation. I spent three years in the idyllic Abruzzo region followed by five years of philosophical and theological studies at the Jesuit’s Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. My first assignment following ordination was in the formation of new vocations, the novitiate so to say. Four years later, in 2007, I was made rector of the seminary where I have remained until becoming your pastor. Although I often used the summer months to gather pastoral experience around Europe or three summer missions in a parish in Rock Island, IL I have never been a parish priest! I have always nurtured a special devotion to St. Joseph, and do a bit of hobby woodworking and carpentry myself so I already feel at home. 

For those who have not been over to St. Henry’s this past year or have not gotten to know our missionary community, here is a little bit about us: 
The Work of Jesus the High Priest is a clerical association that grew out of and is still completely united to the association of the faithful Family of Mary, whose initial approval was granted by the Vatican in 1995. As priests, brothers, and apostolic sisters, we share a common spirituality, shaped by love of Mary, a Eucharistic-priestly spirit and fidelity to the Holy Father. We have a missionary orientation and strive for true ecumenism so that Jesus’ promise of one flock under one shepherd (Jn. 10:16) might be realized. The spirituality draws its strength from prayer and the sacramental life. Therefore, daily Eucharistic Adoration is nurtured in all of our missions.
The community’s priests hold various offices within the framework of the Universal Church. They dedicate themselves to the pastoral care of parishes and ecclesial institutions entrusted to them. They are assisted by the apostolic sisters of Family of Mary who in a special way offer their lives to God for the sanctification of priests. Depending on the need of the mission, the exterior form of the apostolate varies greatly, ranging from parish work; teaching in schools; taking care of children, teenagers, families and elderly, as well as other charitable efforts, especially in the missionary territories. The community is currently working around the world in Italy, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, in the Slovak and Czech Republics, as well as in Uruguay, Kazakhstan, Russia and South Korea.