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Priest
Biography
Fr. Joseph W. Elliott
Ordination: May 22, 1971, Diocese of Ogdensburg,
New York.
WWME Weekend: February 1977 & November 2000.
What or who influenced you to enter the priesthood:
I was influenced by the two priests in my home parish. I wanted
the holiness of the pastor and the enthusiasm and energy of the
assistant. My parents were also a strong influence without pressuring
me in any way.
Seminaries:
Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg (Minor)
St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers (Major)
Assignments:
I have always been in parish work – Pastor of two parishes:
St. Alexander’s in Morrisonville, NY and St. Joseph’s
in Plattsburg. I was also director of our Deacon Program for the
diocese form 1985 to 1995. On July 1, 2004 I became dean of this
deanery (Clinton).
Hobbies & Interests:
Playing cards
Highs and Lows of ministry:
High: My present assignment is a high I have a real sense of team
with the staff. Another high was being the Director of the Deacon
Program for the same reason.
Low: Being assistant pastor in 5 different parishes in 7 years.
It was very difficult moving and maintaining friendships. My WWME
Weekend in 1977 “saved” my priesthood because I became
aware of my need for friends within the parish no matter how often
I moved.
What inspires you?
Being able to make a difference in someone’s life.
What lowers your self-esteem?
Allowing myself to spend too much time in the office and/or the
rectory.
How has WWME helped or supported you in your ministry/priesthood?
WWME has made me more aware of my own potential as a human being
and as a pastor, more honest about my talents and abilities. I have
also found through WWME many couples who love me and appreciate
who I am.
Your suggestion for promoting WWME:
To continue sharing the dream with one couple, one priest, one religious
at a time.
Your Hopes and Dreams for WWME:
To someday have a WWME Community in the Diocese of Ogdensburg again.
In the meantime, I am helping Syracuse, NY and Burlington, VT in
their dioceses and as they share themselves with Ogdensburg.
Click
here for a printable page (PDF, 9KB)
We at eMatrimony
have asked all the WWME presenting priests to share their stories
so we might honor them for their “yes” to God, the church,
and to WWME. We also hope that through reading the stories in this
ongoing series, you will be inspired to promote and encourage priest
vocations.
A big thank you goes to the priests who are sharing their stories
with us. This is a developing series, so Father, if you have not
yet shared your story with us, we are anxious to hear from you.
Click
here for more information on how you can submit your story.
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