Fr. Shawn M. Smith is the current Pastor of St. Joseph's and has served in that capacity since 2006. He is a Priest within the North American Old Catholic Church. During his theological studies his greatest interest pertained to the reformation. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio. He is a native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is a veteran of the United States Army having served during the War on Terror.
Fr. Shawn focuses most of his ministry in chaplaincy work and is the founder and current Provincial General of the Missionaries of St. Alexius. He ministers actively with those incarcerated and disabled veterans. He is an active advocate for the abolishment of the death penalty in Connecticut and throughout the United States.
His hope as Pastor of this congregation is to be able to bring healing to the many people disenfranchised by the Catholic faith. As an Independent Catholic Priest, he strives to create a church where all are welcomed and affirmed, no matter their background. Fr. Shawn practices a great devotion to the Divine Mercy.
