I was born in 1957 in Mishawaka, IN, (adjacent to South Bend), the second of seven children. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1979 with an Arts and Letters degree, majoring in Studio Art. I taught Mathematics and Art at Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit from 1983 to 1988.

I entered the novitiate for the Society of Jesus in 1988, and took my first vows in 1990. I did my theology studies in preparation for the priesthood at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, MA, earning an MDiv degree in 1997 and a ThM degree in 1998.

I was ordained a priest in 1998. Since ordination, I have served as associate pastor at Gesu Toledo, Our Lady of LaSalette in Berkely, MI, and now at Gesu Cleveland. I have been here since September, 2002. I have what is known as "bi-ritual faculties," which means I can serve as priest in both the Maronite Rite and the mainstream Latin (Roman) Rite. (The Maronites are the largest group of Lebanese Catholics. I only do the Maronite liturgy on an occasional basis, helping out in NE Ohio parishes.)

My special interests include sports, social justice and art. I coached girls, then boys basketball during my first three years here at Gesu, but my sports involvement is now limited to the Booster Board.

In the social justice area, I serve on the Social Concerns Commission here at Gesu, the Global Solidarity Commission of the Cleveland Diocese, and on a similar committee for the Detroit Province Jesuits. Partly because of my ethnic background, I have a special interest in Middle Eastern issues.

As an artist, I have participated in shows of Jesuit art at Fairfield, CT, as well as St. Louis, MO. Four years ago, I began an art show here at Gesu for any interested artists in the parish. This show has been held every October, and has been a big success, thanks to the efforts of many parishioners.

I am also chaplain for a group of married couples, called Teams of Our Lady, a local chapter of an international movement. This group includes couples from Gesu as well as other parishes.

I am happy to talk with you about any of my interests: art, social justice, the Eastern churches, the Teams of Our Lady, or even sports. (I only ask that you be respectful when discussing the Fighting Irish!)