Fr. Tom Lavin, OFM Conv. – Chaplain of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Olney, MD

Fr. Tom was born in Boston and professed his first vows as a Conventual Franciscan (OFM Conv.) in 1980 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1987, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Albany, NY, by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. He had already earned a BS in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy before becoming a friar and continued his studies as a Franciscan earing a Certificate Pre-Theology-Philosphy from St. Hyacinth College and Seminary (MA), in 1982 and completing his Masters in Divinity (Theology), from St. Anthony-on-Hudson (NY), in 1987. Throughout his time as a friar, Fr. Tom has served on many councils, commissions and committee for the province.
He began a life of ministry as a parochial vicar for 2 years at St. Stephen Parish (Shamokin, PA) and in 1989 became part of the staff of The Franciscan Center (Buffalo, NY), providing transitional care for young men in need. He returned to parish life in 1993 where he served for 8 years as co-pastor of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church (Kensington, CT).  He continued in parish ministry at St. Edward the Confessor Parish (Stafford Springs, CT) and St. Stanislaus Parish (Chicopee, MA) until his election to Province Secretary in 2005. He returned to St. Edward the Confessor Parish, as pastor in 2010 and in 2012, moved to St. Joseph Cupertino Friary (Ellicott City, MD) to become the co-director of the Postulancy (the first stage of formation), while assisting the needs of the pilgrims of the Shrine of St. Anthony to which the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary is adjacent. The Postulancy has since moved to Chicago, but Fr. Tom stayed in Ellicott City and this year began his chaplaincy at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, in Olney, Maryland.
Please keep Fr. Tom, his ministry, as well as all of the friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province and their ministries, in your continued prayers
To hear more about Fr. Tom’s new ministry, please view this video interview, conducted and posted by Our Lady of Good Counsel.