I was born the sixth child of Loretta and John Flannery. Both of my parents were born and raised in the Bronx, NY. At the time of my birth, my family was living in Hackensack, NJ. Shortly after bringing me home from Holy Name Hospital, my parents moved our family to Wildwood Avenue, Montclair, NJ. When I was five years old, we moved to Northview Avenue, Upper Montclair. My mother gave birth to eight more children. After having two healthy boys after me, each two years apart from each other, my mother gave birth to her only set of twins, fraternal twins – a boy (Paul Edward) and a girl (Margaret Mary). I was eight years old when the twins were born. Margaret Mary died after the second day of birth and Paul Edward the next day. My parents taught us how precious and sacred life is and that life is a treasured gift from God. My saddest memory as a child was seeing my parents come home from the hospital without these precious souls bundled in their arms. My childhood was filled with many happy memories. With so many siblings, I didn’t have to search for a playmate. There was always someone to talk to and listen to you. I remember the excitement of the many birthday parties, graduation celebrations and Christmases. I also recall the joy of receiving the Sacraments and the family gatherings back at the house afterwards. I went and graduated from St. Cassian Grammar School. Next, I went to Essex Catholic High School, Newark. In 1977, I graduated from Montclair State with a double major – Marketing/Management. In the Summer of 1975, I fell in love for the first time. I was 20 years old. Chrysia suddenly died that same summer of a undetected birth defect. I searched to recapture that love, but it was not to be found. At the age of 30, I was ripe to hear the Lord’s call to ministry. I had first heard this call when I was seven. With full abandonment now, I pursued the yearning call within me. At the age of 37, I left my job at Apex Trucking’s Accounting Department, and entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, NJ. Five years later, in 1997, I was ordained to the Priesthood. What joy filled my heart that day! My first assignment for 2 years was Our Lady of the Visitation, Paramus, NJ. My next assignments, each being three years were: St. Teresa of Avila, Summit; St. Peter’s, Belleville; St. Francis Xavier, Newark. At each assignment I have met so many wonderful souls. I have learned a lot and shared much. I look forward to serving here at St. Aloysius. My parents are 84 years old and currently are living in West Palm Beach, Florida. My 5 sisters and 6 brothers are all alive and are scattered about the U.S. – 4 in NJ, 1 in PA, 5 in FL and 1 in MD.