Deacon Paul was selected for the Diaconate Program, studied for the ministry at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick Neck and was ordained to Holy Orders in June of 1977 by Bishop Kenneth Angell.

After ordination Deacon Paul and Gerry established the first support group in the Diocese of Providence for the divorced, separated, widowed and remarried at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wakefield which was the forerunner of the present SDRW program. During that seven year period they were guest speakers at various other churches, both Catholic and Protestant which were trying to establish similar programs in their respective parishes.

Shortly after ordination in 1977, Deacon Paul was also appointed Chaplain for the South Kingstown Police Department in which he still serves today. He served on the Marriage Tribunal Council for the Diocese of Providence and both Deacon Paul and Gerry served on the Diaconate Advisory Board. Deacon Paul and Gerry began their service at St. Mary’s in December 2001 after being assigned by Bishop Robert E. Mulvee.

Besides their involvement with various parish ministries they continue to work with the poor in deep south Texas and across the border into Mexico. They are also involved in the construction of a new orphanage in Matamoros, Mexico where Deacon Paul serves on the advisory board.