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Father John Antonelle
Hello my parish family -
I was born Brooklyn NY and at age ten my family moved to Rockaway Queens where I lived into adulthood. So yes my accent is a New York one. As I always say, I didn’t know I had an accent until I came to Connecticut. I’m of Italian decent from both sides of my family. My paternal grandparents were from Naples Italy and maternal grandparents (Liontonio), from Bari. Before the priesthood my background and career was in graphic design and advertising. During that time I lived in Manhattan and vacationed frequently in Europe. It was a great life but something was always missing and even though I was very involved in my parish I knew in my heart that God was calling me to the priesthood. Well after quite a number of years avoiding answering God’s call, I finally spoke with my pastor who called Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell CT, a seminary for older men, and set up an interview for me. Driving onto campus that day, I felt a peace that took me by surprise and I knew then that this was the right thing for me to do. I left the interview which was in late July saying that I’ll see you in September. Later that day I told my mom and family about my plans and the next day gave my place of employment my notice. The five years in seminary went relatively fast in hindsight. I was very involved at Holy Apostles having been student council president, leader for the work crews on clean-up days and in charge of decorating the chapel for holidays and events. On May 27, 2006 I was ordained by Bishop Cote to the priesthood for the diocese of Norwich. It was a truly joyful day for me having my mom, family and friends there. My first assignment was at Saint Bernard‘s in Rockville. Following that assignment I was sent to St. Michael the Archangel in Pawcatuck. From there I was asked to go to St. Thomas Aquinas in Storrs and was made pastor in 2012. In 2014 I was asked to also be pastor for St. Mary Church in Coventry along with St. Thomas Aquinas and work on merging them into one parish which became our Lady Queen of Peace. Now my latest assignment is to St. Mary Church in Portland, Connecticut. I come to this parish with my little assistant whose name is Patsy (Short for Pasquale). Patsy is a 4 and a half year old Boxer who has been a wonderful addition to my ministry, especially for the UConn students, parishioners and nursing home residents. The parishioners love Patsy (and he loves them) and are always happy to see him stopping by at church functions.
Be assured of my prayers for you and I ask for yours as well.
God bless all of you.
Love and prayers,
Fr. JohnFr. John and his wonderful assistant, Patsy (November, 2020).
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Deacon Dana Garry (Retired)
Deacon Dana earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a Psychology Major at the University of Connecticut, a Masters in Counseling Education at the University of Hartford, and a Masters of Theology at Holy Apostles Seminary. His ordination to the Deaconate was on June 10, 2007, after which he was assigned to his home parish, the Church of St. Mary Portland.
Deacon Dana has been a volunteer in Pastoral Services at Middlesex Hospital since May of 2006 as a Eucharistic Minister with specialized training in Hospice Care. Also Dana serves the town of Portland as a board member of Portland Youth Services and as a member of the Portland Youth Diversionary Board.
Deacon Dana is a retiree from the Department of Corrections with his last position being a Mental Health Counselor at the Hartford Correctional Center. Dana and his wife Mary were foster and adoptive parents for the State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families from 2000 to 2008. Dana and Mary were married on October 3, 1970, and they have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
Deacon Parish Responsibilities at St. Mary:
- Assist at parish liturgical services.
- Conduct funeral services wakes, and burials as needed.
- Conduct baptismal preparation sessions and baptisms as needed.
- Eucharistic minister to homebound parishioners.
- Assist at Stations of the Cross and First Friday Adoration Services.
- Co-leader parish rosary group.
- Attend parish council meetings.
- Lecturer for Knights of Columbus meetings and assist at various Knights activities for the parish.
- Recruit and train altar servers.
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Patsy's Corner
Patsy is Fr. John's trusty canine assistant. He can be seen at Mass as well as periodically throughout the day fulfilling parish duties with Fr. John. He has quickly become an icon of joy in the church.
Patsy's Pup-date
Patsy is trying to imitate the expression of his pillow and is doing a pretty good job of it.
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