Rev. Paul A. McDonnell, O.S.J., a native of West Pittston, PA, was born on January 2,1965, to Thomas & Shirley (Petrello) McDonnell. He received all of his early education in the Wyoming Area School District. Upon graduating from high school in 1982, he entered the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary, Laflin, to begin preparatory studies for the Roman Catholic priesthood, during which time he received a B.A. Degree in Philosophy from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Father McDonnell then spent his next five years of seminary studies in Italy, completing one year of novitiate in Padua and four years in Rome, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Theology from the Pontifical Lateran University.

Upon returning home from Italy, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on August 10, 1991, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Exeter, PA, by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, D.D., former auxiliary bishop of Scranton and current Bishop of Richmond (Va.). After his ordination, he served two years as vocation director for the Oblate Order and then, in 1993, was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Pittston. He served as assistant pastor from 1993 to 1997; and, as pastor from 1997 to 2006. He now serves as Rector of the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary, Laflin, PA.

Since April 2003, Father McDonnell serves as Provincial Superior of the Oblates of St. Joseph Order (Pennsylvania Province). He also serves in other capacities such as:

• Chaplain to Luzerne County U.N.I.C.O. Organization;


• Chaplain to Ancient Order of Hibernians – Pittston Division;


• Chaplain to Greater Pittston Ambulance & Rescue Association;


• Faithful Friar of the Pittston Council Knights of Columbus;


• Member of Diocesan Advisory Board for the Office of Continuing
  Education for Priests;


• Member of Ethics Committee of Kindred Hospital of Wyoming Valley;


• Member of Seton Catholic High School Board of Pastors;


• Member of Earthly Angels Autism Advisory Board;


• Board of Director of the Emergency Management Services of
  Northeastern Pennsylvania.


• Member of the Greater Pittston YMCA Board of Directors



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