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Parochial VicarHello! I am Fr. Joseph Anthony Mactal, AKA Fr. Joey. I was ordained a priest last May 29, 2021 by his Excellency, Bishop Kevin Sweeney at St. John’s Cathedral, Paterson. I am originally from Manila, Philippines and finished my priestly studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Here is a brief background of some of my pastoral work when in my time as a theology student at the Mount: in 2017, I was assigned at St. Joseph School in Hanover, PA as a teacher and in 2019, at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, PA. In the midst of the global pandemic, I was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Sweeney last July 31, 2020 at St. Thomas the Apostle, Oak Ridge. The parish I called home for four years before my presbyterial ordination last month. In the Philippines, I spent years in San Carlos Seminary and at Central Seminary while spending formation at Christ the King. Moreover, after I finished my philosophical studies, I spent four school years as of religion and philosophy while moonlighting as basketball coach, scout, and writer for various high school, semi-pro, and local newspapers.
I have a devotion to the Blessed Mother expressed through the daily recitation of the Rosary. This devotion to our Blessed Mother can be traced back from my “Downtown Manila” roots as my hometown was consecrated to her heart and the Immaculate Conception. On the other hand, our rector at the Mount instilled in us a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. A daily practice of Holy Hours that I hope will continue in my first assignment, my “first child” in the words of my mom; at St. James of the Marches, Totowa, NJ.
I love to watch and play sports. I follow the Knicks (Latrell Sprewell is my all-time favorite), the Yankees (only team available in Manila back in the 2000’s), and the Boston Celtics (I am an old soul). I am also fond of reading comic books and playing video games in my spare time (I have been reading a lot of DC and independent comics lately). If you see me extra happy every Wednesday, it’s because its comic book day!
Though I have only been to Totowa once as of this writing, I am really excited on what is to come. I have met a number of people who are very hospitable and I know will be friends and family in these next stages of my priesthood. I am really blessed and excited to work with a pastor like Fr. Marc Mancini who I know will be both a brother and a mentor to me in my first assignment as priest in the Diocese of Paterson. But what I am most excited about is to meet the parishioners of St. James! To be honest, the feeling is a mixture of excitement and anxiety comparable to a first time “father” at a lobby of a delivery room. Obviously, the figurative comparisons end between a new dad and young priest within the feelings and emotions of waiting; but the responsibilities and joys that come in our fatherhood are analogous and will last us a lifetime. Hence, it is with sincerity of heart that I must report that I cannot wait to meet and work with all of you.
In Christ, I remain,
Fr. Joey
