Occupation: I have been a parochial vicar at St Rose of Lima Church since October 1990. I earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy and English at Holy Apostle Seminary in Cromwell and a master of divinity at St Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. I most enjoy celebrating the Mass and preaching the word. I was ordained 25 years ago this coming May.

How Long in Newtown: I will be here 11 years on October 19. I live at the St Rose rectory on Church Hill Road. Prior to Newtown, I was in Bridgeport for 13 years, two years at St Ann’s Church and 11 years at St Peter’s. I was chaplain at Bridgeport Hospital for six years and chaplain of the Bridgeport Fire Department for ten years. I was born and raised in Greenwich.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: The growth in population. We’re running out of space in our facility. That’s a good problem to have, but nevertheless a problem.

Hobbies: Swimming, camping, and hiking. I like the outdoors. You’ll often see me walking along the road. I also like radio trivia, the old mysteries and comedies, especially the old Brooklyn Dodgers games. I have tapes and videos, and listen to WICC’s radio trivia on Sunday nights. With radio, you really have to use your imagination, and create your own set, so to speak. With television, everything is right there for you.

Favorite Books and Authors: I really love to read, especially books by early American authors, such as Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, and Edgar Allen Poe, and early diaries.

Favorite TV Show: I’m more into the radio. TV has changed so radically over the years. I do watch documentaries and nature and history programs.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: I remember the time when they were building Garner Correctional and how upset the people were. I remember that more than when Fairfield Hills closed. I remember the future warden came to our men’s club meeting and assured us how secure it was. Soon after there was an escape. I remember the police going there.

Favorite Vacation Spot: The Amish country, Lancaster County, Penn. Their food is wonderful. I come back from there stuffed. I also like northern New York State and Vermont, but even Vermont is getting built up.

Personal Philosophy: I like to follow the basic teachings of Jesus Christ as simply stated in the Sermon on the Mount. Most people think it’s just the Beautitudes, but the actual sermon goes on for three chapters. This is what I try to follow in my life.

 SNAPSHOT

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

THE REV LAWRENCE LARSON