Fr. John Antonelle, Administrator, Campus Minister

A Note from Fr. John

Dear Parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, I wanted to write a few lines – to introduce myself as your “new kid on the block.” My name is Fr. John Antonelle – better known as Fr. John. I’ve been ordained for three years, and when you meet me, you’ll see that I’m a later vocation.

Before seminary and ordination, I worked many years in the advertising and graphic arts field. I was born in Brooklyn (New York), grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens and lived in Manhattan for about eighteen years (you’ll detect my accent) before entering seminary.

I graduated from Far Rockaway High School, New York City Tech with an associate’s degree in graphic design, Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Holy Apostles Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. After ordination, I was assigned to St. Bernard parish in Rockville, and after two years there, I was assigned to St. Michael the Archangel parish in Pawcatuck. I now come to you after one year of being on the Connecticut/Rhode Island border. I arrived at St. Thomas on July 15, 2009 and am looking forward to meeting you, and working with you and Fr. Greg Mullaney as Parochial Vicar and Campus Minister. I ask for you prayers and assure you of mine.

Wishing you peace, Fr. John

Fr. John interview in the Dec. 19, 2011
issue of the online Mansfield Patch.