I am, what some would call, an “Army Brat”. My father was a career soldier in the Army. I was born February 25, 1954 at Ft. Clayton, Panama Canal Zone of Robert and Rosemary Farrell. Both my parents are deceased. I have two sisters, Kathleen and Celine and one brother, Thomas. My family hails Pittsburgh as our home town. Please don’t be too offended when I root for the Steelers and wave my “terrible towel”.
Because I moved so much growing up, I have a very broad view of life and the church. I try to always look at the “BIG” picture. I appreciate the lived experience, the history and traditions of parishes but am not fixated on “This is the way we’ve always done it”. I tend to ask, “Where is the Lord in this moment?” and “What is best for the majority of the parishioners?”
I received a BA in Philosophy in 1976 and an MA in Theology in 1980 from the Athenaeum of Ohio. I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati by Archbishop Bernardin on June 14, 1980.
My first assignment was to teach theology at Mother of Mercy High School. While on the faculty for six years, I was also resident associate at Our Lady of Victory and Little Flower parishes. In 1986, I became the full-time associate at St. Ignatius Parish in Cincinnati. I was appointed pastor of Nativity of Our Lord in Pleasant Ridge in September, 1989. Most recently, I have been the pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish in Finneytown, since 2000.
Along with my responsibilities as pastor, I have taught fundamental theology at Xavier University and Historical Theology at the Athenaeum of Ohio, as well as numerous catechist certification courses.
For relaxation I like to read, play golf and other sports, hike, ride my bike, snow ski, walk my dog and spend time with family and friends.
It will be difficult to leave St. Bartholomew Parish. The community there has blessed me and challenged me in many ways. I am nervous but also excited about coming to St. Susanna. I have heard many good things about you … your concern and dedication to Fr. Dan; your generosity; your love of the Lord and your openness to fellow parishioners.
In my brief encounter with the staff, I have been impressed by their love of the parish and their dedication to ministering with and for you. I look forward to ministering with them and with all of you. I thank Fr. John for his excellent leadership and guidance of the parish in a very difficult time. I thank him and the staff for the warm welcome and assistance they have shown.
I look forward to the many ways God will touch me though you. I look forward to meeting you and coming to understand your hopes and dreams for St. Susanna. Please keep me and the parishioners of St. Bartholomew in your prayers during this time of transition. Know that I keep you in mine.
May the peace of the Lord be with you.