Deacon “Tony” is a native of New York, growing up in the Bronx and on Long Island. He has been a member of St. Jude Parish since 1983, at which time he assumed the responsibility as Director of Music, serving our parish as organist and choir director.

Deacon Tony was ordained as a permanent deacon in 1991. Over the years he has taught RCIA, CCD, and Confirmation classes. He also served as chaplain for the St. Jude Rosary Society for 15 years. His most gratifying diaconate ministries include the administering of the Sacrament of Baptism and Preaching on the Word of God.

Drawing on his classical music training and studies in Music Composition and Theory, Deacon Tony has composed many of the hymns and Mass parts/settings (Glorias, Psalms, Alleluias, Sanctus, Acclamations, Agnus Dei) which are sung during Mass. He has recorded/produced two CDs with the St. Jude choir (“Venite Adoremus” and “Holy is His Name”) and has also recorded two CDs of originally-composed songs with Cantor Sherry Ottoson (“Thirty Silver Pieces” and “Apostolica In Concert”).

In 2006, Deacon Tony founded Apostolica Ministries and has conducted parish missions/retreats at churches throughout the diocese of Paterson, Metuchen, Camden, Trenton and throughout the NY area. His reputation for speaking and preaching with a straight-forward, no-nonsense, approach has resulted in his invitation to speak at many parish events throughout the state, to various Christian Men’s and Women’s organizations.

His goal is to serve God by bringing Christ to all people, helping those who have fallen off the spiritual path and guiding those who search for the Truth to regain their Faith.