Bishop Joseph A. Galante announces the retirements of Father Francis P. Gaffney, effective July 15 and Father Anthony L. Minniti, effective July 31, and the naming of Father James O. Dabrowski as pastor, St. Simon Stock, Berlin for a six-year term, effective July 19.
Father Gaffney, 72, in-residence at St. Michael, Gibbstown since 2008, was born in Roscommon, Ireland, and ordained on June 14, 1964 in Thurles, Ireland by Bishop Thomas Morris. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Holy Saviour, Westmont, where he served from 1964-67.
In 1991, he was appointed pastor of St. Ann Parish, Elmer, where he served until 1994, when he then began a pastorship at Mary, Mother of the Church in Bellmawr, serving until 1999. A year later, after ministering in-residence at St. Luke, Stratford (1999-2000), he returned to St. Ann, first as administrator, and then as pastor, until 2003.
He was parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, 1967-68; St. Nicholas, Egg Harbor, 1968-72; St. Peter, Pleasantville, 1972-73; Transfiguration, West Collingswood, 1981-84; Most Holy Redeemer, Wesville Grove, 1986-89; and St. Luke, Stratford, 1989-91.
In addition to his parish work, Father Gaffney has served on the faculty of the Cathedral Academy in Camden; St. Joseph’s High School, Hammonton; and Paul VI High School, Haddon Township. He also was active in the Diocesan Tribunal for many years as an auditor, judicial vicar, and judge.
Father Minniti, 66, formerly senior priest at St. John, Collingswood, since 2008, was ordained on Dec. 18, 1970. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Transfiguration Parish in West Collingswood, from 1971-74. He was pastor at St. Ann, Elmer from 1994-2000, and pastor at St. John, Paulsboro from 2000-08.
Father Minniti also served as secretary to Auxiliary Bishop James A. Schad and was a teacher at St. James High School in Carneys Point.
He was parochial vicar of St. Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights, 1974-76; Most Holy Redeemer, Westville Grove, 1977-82; St. Michael, Gibbstown, 1982-85; St. Rose of Lima, Newfield, 1985-88; St. Mary, Williamstown, 1988-93; and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Absecon, 1993-94.
Father Dabrowski, 53, has been pastor of Annunciation, Bellmawr since 2002.
Ordained on May 26, 1984, by Bishop George H. Guilfoyle, his first assignment was at St. John of God, North Cape May as parochial vicar.
He has also served as parochial vicar at St. Joseph, Somers Point, 1987-92; Sacred Heart, Mt. Ephraim, 1992-98; and at St. Thomas, Brigantine, 1998-2002.