Meet Your Friars!
Rev. Robert Schlageter, OFM Conv.
Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church
Fr. Robert Schlageter was born in Buffalo, New York, and entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in 1973. He did his Novitiate at St. Joseph Cupertino Novitiate in Ellicott City, Maryland, and his undergraduate work at St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts. His Apostolic Year was at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, where he taught English and Religion to freshmen. Fr. Robert did his theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical Faculty of St. Bonaventure, where he received a Bachelor of Theology and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology with a concentration in Moral Theology from the Accademia Alphonsianum, which is affiliated with the Pontifical University of the Lateran.
While in Rome, Fr. Robert worked at an inner city parish. Upon returning to the U.S., Fr. Robert taught at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs. He joined the faculty at John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce, Florida, when the Franciscans took over the administration of that school. After teaching for several years in Fort Pierce, Fr. Robert went back to Italy to coordinate youth retreats in Assisi for American students who were studying in Italy. Upon his return to America, Fr. Robert was appointed the Campus Minister at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut, and worked at WCSU for eight years. Fr. Robert then moved to the Catholic University of America, where he was appointed University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry, serving 12 years in that capacity. Before coming to St. Anne, Fr. Robert served as Pastor at St. Paul Parish in Kensington, Connecticut. Throughout his priesthood, Fr. Robert has been involved in the lives of young people and has a passion for youth ministry. Fr. Robert has been named Pastor of St. Anne Church. He looks forward to meeting everyone at his new home, joining the dedicated staff of St. Anne Church, and being involved at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School.
Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church
Fr. Robert Schlageter was born in Buffalo, New York, and entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in 1973. He did his Novitiate at St. Joseph Cupertino Novitiate in Ellicott City, Maryland, and his undergraduate work at St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts. His Apostolic Year was at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, where he taught English and Religion to freshmen. Fr. Robert did his theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical Faculty of St. Bonaventure, where he received a Bachelor of Theology and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology with a concentration in Moral Theology from the Accademia Alphonsianum, which is affiliated with the Pontifical University of the Lateran.
While in Rome, Fr. Robert worked at an inner city parish. Upon returning to the U.S., Fr. Robert taught at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs. He joined the faculty at John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce, Florida, when the Franciscans took over the administration of that school. After teaching for several years in Fort Pierce, Fr. Robert went back to Italy to coordinate youth retreats in Assisi for American students who were studying in Italy. Upon his return to America, Fr. Robert was appointed the Campus Minister at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut, and worked at WCSU for eight years. Fr. Robert then moved to the Catholic University of America, where he was appointed University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry, serving 12 years in that capacity. Before coming to St. Anne, Fr. Robert served as Pastor at St. Paul Parish in Kensington, Connecticut. Throughout his priesthood, Fr. Robert has been involved in the lives of young people and has a passion for youth ministry. Fr. Robert has been named Pastor of St. Anne Church. He looks forward to meeting everyone at his new home, joining the dedicated staff of St. Anne Church, and being involved at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School.
Rev. Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv.
Associate Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church
Fr. Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv. (you can call him Fr. Manny) is a native of the "whaling city" of New Bedford, Massachusetts and has been with the Franciscans for the last eight years. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from the Catholic University of America on May 12, 2018 and was ordained a priest on June 22, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Before joining the friars, Fr. Manny received a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a master’s degree in Education from Providence College in Rhode Island. He also worked as a Campus Minister and taught in the Religious Studies Department at Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Friar Manny has a sister who lives in Athens, Georgia, and she is more than likely going to visit occasionally with her husband and two girls! Among Fr. Manny's interests are laughing, music and liturgy, as well as Portuguese culture. He looks forward to taking his first steps in the priesthood as Associate Pastor with the Saint Anne community!
Associate Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church
Fr. Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv. (you can call him Fr. Manny) is a native of the "whaling city" of New Bedford, Massachusetts and has been with the Franciscans for the last eight years. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from the Catholic University of America on May 12, 2018 and was ordained a priest on June 22, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Before joining the friars, Fr. Manny received a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a master’s degree in Education from Providence College in Rhode Island. He also worked as a Campus Minister and taught in the Religious Studies Department at Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Friar Manny has a sister who lives in Athens, Georgia, and she is more than likely going to visit occasionally with her husband and two girls! Among Fr. Manny's interests are laughing, music and liturgy, as well as Portuguese culture. He looks forward to taking his first steps in the priesthood as Associate Pastor with the Saint Anne community!
Rev. Paul Pantiru, OFM Conv.
Associate Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church
Fr. Paul Pantiru was born in a small city of Romania, the oldest son of three siblings. At the age of 14, during his high school years, he joined the minor seminary. He entered the Franciscan Friars where he continued his religious formation which included philosophical and theological studies. Fr. Paul graduated with a bachelor's degree in Theology from the Franciscan Institute in Romania which is affiliated with the Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure, commonly called the Seraphicum in Rome.
After university, Fr. Paul received the mandate to serve as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa, where he lived for about 11 years. In general, he worked in parish ministry as an associate pastor and in educating children; he was involved in social activities and also in providing healthcare in facilities operated by the Franciscan Friars for people in need.
Upon his return to Romania, Fr. Paul was assigned as a community member in Bucharest. There he continued to acclimate to a newly set up community that included various apostolates: care of the homeless; spiritual and pastoral help to parishes throughout the city; ministry of reconciliation; and assistance to young people, such as Boy Scouts. While in Bucharest he traveled several times to Istanbul (Turkey) to help the friars at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
Finally, Fr. Paul expressed his will to serve the Church in the United States and this new assignment brought him to St. Anne Catholic Church from Romania in September 2019. He has a few hobbies and he loves sports and music, although he claims he’s not a good singer. He enjoys reading, watching good movies and funny clips. He enjoys interacting with humans and aliens when possible, and just wants to put a smile on people’s faces. Fr. Paul pictures himself as an active man ready to energize everyone who gets to know him. He hopes this is what the people of St. Anne will soon find out! He is looking forward to “enjoying this new life experience with the community of Franciscan Friars and Y’ALL.”
Associate Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church
Fr. Paul Pantiru was born in a small city of Romania, the oldest son of three siblings. At the age of 14, during his high school years, he joined the minor seminary. He entered the Franciscan Friars where he continued his religious formation which included philosophical and theological studies. Fr. Paul graduated with a bachelor's degree in Theology from the Franciscan Institute in Romania which is affiliated with the Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure, commonly called the Seraphicum in Rome.
After university, Fr. Paul received the mandate to serve as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa, where he lived for about 11 years. In general, he worked in parish ministry as an associate pastor and in educating children; he was involved in social activities and also in providing healthcare in facilities operated by the Franciscan Friars for people in need.
Upon his return to Romania, Fr. Paul was assigned as a community member in Bucharest. There he continued to acclimate to a newly set up community that included various apostolates: care of the homeless; spiritual and pastoral help to parishes throughout the city; ministry of reconciliation; and assistance to young people, such as Boy Scouts. While in Bucharest he traveled several times to Istanbul (Turkey) to help the friars at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
Finally, Fr. Paul expressed his will to serve the Church in the United States and this new assignment brought him to St. Anne Catholic Church from Romania in September 2019. He has a few hobbies and he loves sports and music, although he claims he’s not a good singer. He enjoys reading, watching good movies and funny clips. He enjoys interacting with humans and aliens when possible, and just wants to put a smile on people’s faces. Fr. Paul pictures himself as an active man ready to energize everyone who gets to know him. He hopes this is what the people of St. Anne will soon find out! He is looking forward to “enjoying this new life experience with the community of Franciscan Friars and Y’ALL.”
Rev. Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv.
Pastor, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church
Friar Noel Danielewicz is a native of New Britain, Connecticut, the eldest of seven children born to the late John and Jennie Danielewicz. A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in 1966, professing his first vows in 1967 and his solemn vows on August 15, 1970. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Hyacinth’s College & Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts, a master’s degree in Theology from St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, New York, and earned a master’s degree in Religious Education from the Pastoral Institute of Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1976 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York, Fr. Noel has served the Church in parish ministry at St. Adalbert Church, Elmhurst, New York and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bessemer, Alabama. In addition, he served as Vocation Director for the friars, taught high school, and worked in the Shrine Ministry at St. Anthony Shrine in Ellicott City, Maryland and at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. For the past eight years, he has served as Chaplain to the Felician Sisters and our Senior Friars at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, Enfield, Connecticut. Friar Noel welcomes the opportunity to serve the Church community of St. Benedict the Moor, and looks forward to being a part of Franciscan Martyrs Friary with his brother friars: Robert Schlageter, Mark David Skura, Emmanuel Vasconcelos and Robert Benko.
Pastor, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church
Friar Noel Danielewicz is a native of New Britain, Connecticut, the eldest of seven children born to the late John and Jennie Danielewicz. A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in 1966, professing his first vows in 1967 and his solemn vows on August 15, 1970. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Hyacinth’s College & Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts, a master’s degree in Theology from St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, New York, and earned a master’s degree in Religious Education from the Pastoral Institute of Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1976 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York, Fr. Noel has served the Church in parish ministry at St. Adalbert Church, Elmhurst, New York and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bessemer, Alabama. In addition, he served as Vocation Director for the friars, taught high school, and worked in the Shrine Ministry at St. Anthony Shrine in Ellicott City, Maryland and at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. For the past eight years, he has served as Chaplain to the Felician Sisters and our Senior Friars at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, Enfield, Connecticut. Friar Noel welcomes the opportunity to serve the Church community of St. Benedict the Moor, and looks forward to being a part of Franciscan Martyrs Friary with his brother friars: Robert Schlageter, Mark David Skura, Emmanuel Vasconcelos and Robert Benko.
Rev. Robert Benko, OFM Conv.
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Friar Robert Benko OFM Conv. is a Franciscan priest. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 21, 1964, and grew up in a practicing Catholic household. Father Bob, as he likes to be called, is the product of 22 years of Catholic education. As a teenager, Fr. Bob was very involved with his parish youth group and was known to be always around the church. After high school Fr. Bob attended St. Peter’s College (now University) and received an associate’s degree in Business Administration. Fr. Bob then began a career in real estate and life insurance. Prior to entering the seminary, he also owned his own mobile disc jockey business, providing music for all kinds of events. After entering the seminary, Fr. Bob moved from New Jersey to Massachusetts as postulant for the Franciscan Conventuals. In Massachusetts, Fr. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Franciscan Studies and a minor in English Literature. Fr. Bob then moved to Staten Island, New York to enter the Novitiate for the Franciscan Order. The Novitiate is a year-long process of prayer and discernment before making first vows as a Franciscan. In 1994, Fr. Bob professed his first vows. Fr. Bob then moved to Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey to work in St. Peter Parish for a pastoral year. After his pastoral year Fr. Bob moved to Washington, DC to study Theology. In May 2000, Fr. Bob earned a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union with a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction. While studying Theology, Fr. Bob was proposed by his formation directors to the provincial to enter solemn vows with the Franciscan order.
Immediately following graduation Fr. Bob was ordained a priest. He then moved to Costa Rica where he studied the Spanish language. After a year in Costa Rica, Fr. Bob was assigned as a parochial vicar in Burlington, North Carolina at Blessed Sacrament Parish. After one-and-a-half years, Fr. Bob became the pastor of the same parish. He remained at Blessed Sacrament for 11 years. Blessed Sacrament was a mixed parish of English and Spanish speaking people. At this parish, Fr. Bob led the community in a building project in which the parish built a new church building.
After the new church was built in Burlington, Fr. Bob was reassigned to Saint Peter Parish in Point Pleasant Beach,
New Jersey. Fr. Bob has been pastor at Saint Peter Parish for seven years. He looks forward to the new opportunities he will have to minister to the good people at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Fray Robert Benko OFM Conv. Es un sacerdote franciscano. Nació en Jersey City, Nueva Jersey, el 21 de febrero de 1964. El padre Bob, como le gusta que lo llamen, es el producto de 22 años de educación católica. P. Bob creció en una casa católica practicante. Como un adolescente, el p. Bob estaba muy involucrado con su grupo juvenil de la parroquia y era conocido por estar siempre cerca de la iglesia. Después de la escuela secundaria, el p. Bob asistió a St. Peter's College (ahora Universidad) y recibió un título de Asociado en administración de empresas. P. Bob luego comenzó una carrera en venta de casas y seguros de vida. P. Bob también era dueño de su propia empresa de un Disc Jockey que brindaba música para todo tipo de eventos. P. Bob también fue DJ en algunos clubes nocturnos antes de ingresar al seminario.
Después de entrar al seminario, el p. Bob se mudó de New Jersey a Massachusetts como postulante de los Franciscanos Conventuales. En Massachusetts, el p. Bob obtuvo una licenciatura en filosofía con una especialización en estudios franciscanos y una especialización en literatura inglesa. P. Bob luego se mudó a Staten Island, New York para ingresar al Noviciado de la Orden Franciscana. El noviciado es un proceso de oración y discernimiento de un año antes de hacer los primeros votos como franciscano. En 1994, el p. Bob profesó sus primeros votos. P. Bob luego se mudó a Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey para trabajar en la parroquia de San Pedro durante un año pastoral. Después de su año pastoral, el p. Bob se mudó a Washington, DC para estudiar teología. En mayo de 2000, el p. Bob recibió un título de Maestría en Divinidades de Washington Theological Union con un certificado de posgrado en dirección espiritual. Mientras estudiaba teología, el p. Bob fue propuesto por sus directores de formación al provincial para que hiciera los votos solemnes con la orden franciscana.
Inmediatamente después la graduación, el p. Bob fue ordenado sacerdote. Luego se mudó a Costa Rica donde estudió el idioma español. Después de un año en Costa Rica, el p. Bob fue asignado como vicario parroquial en Burlington, Carolina del Norte, en la parroquia de Santísimo Sacramento. Después de un año y medio, el p. Bob se convirtió en el párroco de la misma parroquia. Permaneció en el Santísimo Sacramento por 11 años. El Santísimo Sacramento era una parroquia mixta de personas de hablan inglés y español. En esta parroquia, el p. Bob dirigió a la comunidad en un proyecto de construcción en el que la parroquia construyó un nuevo templo.
Después de que se construyó la nueva iglesia en Burlington, Carolina del Norte, el Padre. Bob fue reasignado a la parroquia de San Pedro en Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. P. Bob ha sido pastor en la parroquia de San Pedro por 7 años. P. Bob ha sido reasignado para ser pastor en la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Columbus, Georgia. Espera las nuevas oportunidades que tendrá para ministrar a las buenas personas de esta parroquia.
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Friar Robert Benko OFM Conv. is a Franciscan priest. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 21, 1964, and grew up in a practicing Catholic household. Father Bob, as he likes to be called, is the product of 22 years of Catholic education. As a teenager, Fr. Bob was very involved with his parish youth group and was known to be always around the church. After high school Fr. Bob attended St. Peter’s College (now University) and received an associate’s degree in Business Administration. Fr. Bob then began a career in real estate and life insurance. Prior to entering the seminary, he also owned his own mobile disc jockey business, providing music for all kinds of events. After entering the seminary, Fr. Bob moved from New Jersey to Massachusetts as postulant for the Franciscan Conventuals. In Massachusetts, Fr. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Franciscan Studies and a minor in English Literature. Fr. Bob then moved to Staten Island, New York to enter the Novitiate for the Franciscan Order. The Novitiate is a year-long process of prayer and discernment before making first vows as a Franciscan. In 1994, Fr. Bob professed his first vows. Fr. Bob then moved to Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey to work in St. Peter Parish for a pastoral year. After his pastoral year Fr. Bob moved to Washington, DC to study Theology. In May 2000, Fr. Bob earned a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union with a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction. While studying Theology, Fr. Bob was proposed by his formation directors to the provincial to enter solemn vows with the Franciscan order.
Immediately following graduation Fr. Bob was ordained a priest. He then moved to Costa Rica where he studied the Spanish language. After a year in Costa Rica, Fr. Bob was assigned as a parochial vicar in Burlington, North Carolina at Blessed Sacrament Parish. After one-and-a-half years, Fr. Bob became the pastor of the same parish. He remained at Blessed Sacrament for 11 years. Blessed Sacrament was a mixed parish of English and Spanish speaking people. At this parish, Fr. Bob led the community in a building project in which the parish built a new church building.
After the new church was built in Burlington, Fr. Bob was reassigned to Saint Peter Parish in Point Pleasant Beach,
New Jersey. Fr. Bob has been pastor at Saint Peter Parish for seven years. He looks forward to the new opportunities he will have to minister to the good people at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Fray Robert Benko OFM Conv. Es un sacerdote franciscano. Nació en Jersey City, Nueva Jersey, el 21 de febrero de 1964. El padre Bob, como le gusta que lo llamen, es el producto de 22 años de educación católica. P. Bob creció en una casa católica practicante. Como un adolescente, el p. Bob estaba muy involucrado con su grupo juvenil de la parroquia y era conocido por estar siempre cerca de la iglesia. Después de la escuela secundaria, el p. Bob asistió a St. Peter's College (ahora Universidad) y recibió un título de Asociado en administración de empresas. P. Bob luego comenzó una carrera en venta de casas y seguros de vida. P. Bob también era dueño de su propia empresa de un Disc Jockey que brindaba música para todo tipo de eventos. P. Bob también fue DJ en algunos clubes nocturnos antes de ingresar al seminario.
Después de entrar al seminario, el p. Bob se mudó de New Jersey a Massachusetts como postulante de los Franciscanos Conventuales. En Massachusetts, el p. Bob obtuvo una licenciatura en filosofía con una especialización en estudios franciscanos y una especialización en literatura inglesa. P. Bob luego se mudó a Staten Island, New York para ingresar al Noviciado de la Orden Franciscana. El noviciado es un proceso de oración y discernimiento de un año antes de hacer los primeros votos como franciscano. En 1994, el p. Bob profesó sus primeros votos. P. Bob luego se mudó a Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey para trabajar en la parroquia de San Pedro durante un año pastoral. Después de su año pastoral, el p. Bob se mudó a Washington, DC para estudiar teología. En mayo de 2000, el p. Bob recibió un título de Maestría en Divinidades de Washington Theological Union con un certificado de posgrado en dirección espiritual. Mientras estudiaba teología, el p. Bob fue propuesto por sus directores de formación al provincial para que hiciera los votos solemnes con la orden franciscana.
Inmediatamente después la graduación, el p. Bob fue ordenado sacerdote. Luego se mudó a Costa Rica donde estudió el idioma español. Después de un año en Costa Rica, el p. Bob fue asignado como vicario parroquial en Burlington, Carolina del Norte, en la parroquia de Santísimo Sacramento. Después de un año y medio, el p. Bob se convirtió en el párroco de la misma parroquia. Permaneció en el Santísimo Sacramento por 11 años. El Santísimo Sacramento era una parroquia mixta de personas de hablan inglés y español. En esta parroquia, el p. Bob dirigió a la comunidad en un proyecto de construcción en el que la parroquia construyó un nuevo templo.
Después de que se construyó la nueva iglesia en Burlington, Carolina del Norte, el Padre. Bob fue reasignado a la parroquia de San Pedro en Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. P. Bob ha sido pastor en la parroquia de San Pedro por 7 años. P. Bob ha sido reasignado para ser pastor en la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Columbus, Georgia. Espera las nuevas oportunidades que tendrá para ministrar a las buenas personas de esta parroquia.
Deacons
Rev. Mr. Robert Herrmann
Rev. Dr. Eddie Ensley
Rev. Mr. John Quillen
Rev. Mr. Robert Herrmann
Rev. Dr. Eddie Ensley
Rev. Mr. John Quillen