I’m very happy to announce that starting June 1, 2021, I’ll be the new chaplain at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY. When I left Austin in December 2020, it was with the expectation that I’d be assigned as chaplain at Columbia University in New York City. For multiple reasons– largely financial– the archdiocese of New York wasn’t able to accommodate that assignment. Although that was disappointing, it did open the door for other opportunities, and I’m delighted with the way this has worked out. God is good.

RPI is a nearly 200-year old university with a strong reputation in engineering, sciences, architecture, business, and computing. There are around 8000 students on campus (pre-COVID….). I’m particularly excited that this assignment includes a position on the staff of the Institute’s Division of Student Life, as the coordinator of religious affairs on campus. This means I’ll be working with the other chaplains (Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) in a collaborative ecumenical and interfaith setting. This is very much in line with our Paulist mission!

My office will be in the Student Union building (once it’s opened up again…). Masses and other religious services will be at the Chapel + Cultural Center, a unique facility that is supported by the Rensselaer Newman Foundation, and the home of the University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice. The foundation also provides me with an amazing residence. You can support the campus ministry at RPI by giving to the foundation.

The RPI community has been without a full-time chaplain for two years. Between that and the COVID-19 pandemic, the campus ministry program will have lots of rebuilding to do. This presents great opportunities, and great challenges. I’m very grateful to the administration of RPI, the Rensselaer Newman Foundation, the Diocese of Albany, and the Paulist Fathers for trusting me with this important position.

On a personal note, I’m delighted that this new assignment places me so close to my family (in Niskayuna, Syracuse, and Rochester), as well as St. Mary’s on the Lake, the Paulists’ summer home on Lake George.

My contact information:

Some folks have asked if there’s anything I need as I move into my new home. The new residence is pretty well provisioned, but there are a few things that might make life a little easier, so I’ve set up an Amazon Wish List. I’ll be adding to the list as I figure out what I need. The best shipping address is at the Chapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Avenue, Troy, New York 12180. Thank you!!!