Occupation: I have been a priest for 30 years as of May 18. I am pastor of St Rose of Lima Church. I received my bachelor’s degree from St John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., and my master of divinity and theology from St Bernard Seminary in Rochester. I received my doctor of ministry degree from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif.

How Long in Newtown: I have been in Newtown for four years. Prior to this, I was at St Joseph’s Church in Shelton. I was born in Baltimore, Md., and was brought up there and in Florida.

Biggest Change You Have Seen in Town: The biggest change I have seen is in St Rose Parish, in the number of parishioners, and in the development of new programs in the parish itself, such as in religious education, opening of pre-K, growth in the youth groups, and expansion of committees. The church is financially stable. I am impressed by the amount of support the parish gives to service agencies.

Family: My mother, Margaret, visits often, and I have three brothers, Richard in Georgia, and John and Thomas in Florida.

Hobbies: I enjoy written correspondence. I think it’s important. I once liked to play golf, but I do tend to work a lot.

Favorite Books and Authors: I love to read, and when on vacation I may read three or four books a week. I enjoy mostly biographies and light reading. I also read inspirational literature.

Favorite TV Show: I have no favorite show. I mostly watch news shows to keep current.

Organizations: I am a member of the Union League Club in New York City, a social club with events focused on literature and history. I also am a member of the Mortality Review Board for the Department of Mental Retardation and the Pastor’s Advisory Council. I am a consultor for the Diocese of Bridgeport and a mentor for recently ordained priests. I am president of the regional school system for Newtown, Bethel, and Brookfield. I am also a member of the boards of Immaculate High School and St Catherine’s Academy in Bridgeport.

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: My most vivid memory is of the response of the parishioners to our food, clothing, and furniture drives. We support FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown and food programs in other towns. I am very impressed by the generosity and social consciousness of the people in the parish. It’s a real concerted effort. Another memory is of when I was installed here, and my friends wrote a song based on New York, New York, substituting Newtown for New York.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Any place it’s quiet.

Personal Philosophy: Everybody doing a little makes a lot happen. If everyone just does one thing, think of what we can do.