Rev. Joseph T. Donnelly
Father Joe grew up in Waterbury and so he views his participation on the Board of Directors to be a way of giving back to his hometown as well as an important extension of his priestly ministry in the Church and its care for the poor. As Board Chair, he has led the work of continuing Father Cascia's vision and taking it to the next level of presence with and care for the poor in this new era. In addition to his undergraduate work, he received a licentiate degree in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome and an advanced degree in spiritual formation from Creighton University in Omaha. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1971 and has served since then in several parishes in Connecticut as well as in seminary formation in his diocese and in Rome. He frequently gives retreats for priests around the country. He now serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Southbury, which is a significant supporter of the St. Vincent DePaul Mission.
Father Joe sees the Mission as the most significant presence of care and compassion for the neediest in greater Waterbury. This has always been an immigrant city welcoming and becoming home for diverse peoples. In the past, the brass industry and other manufacturing industries offered jobs that helped immigrants to establish a home and lifestyle here. Still an immigrant city, there are now few jobs available to the population and so the needs are greater. He is happy to be part of this great effort to respond to those people and their basic needs for a better life.
