Rev. Fr. Tom Kunnel, C.O.

        We have been assigned a  new administrator, Fr. Tom Kunnel.  If you  have not met him yet, you will definitely want to make a point to do so!  He is very friendly, has a great sense of humor, and is wonderful with the children. 

        Fr. Tom Kunnel is also a member of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Tappan, NY.   Prior to his appointment to St. John, he was the Associate Pastor at St. Catharine's, Blauvelt and the Executive Producer at Hallel Communications in Sparkill.  He is the author of two curriculum based textbooks on communication: "Communicator for a Cyber Age in Africa" and "Critical Media Education in African Context".   Skilled in Film Production and Direction, Fr. Tom is also a pioneer and founder of multifaceted Youth Ministry Centers in NE India and Kenya with over 30 years of experience in working with young adults.

       Fr. Tom's immediate family consists of his mother aged 93 and 5 sisters who live in India and an elder brother who resides in Germany.  Though born in Kerala in South India, he did his high school and college studies in North-East India, where later he lived his first 15 years of his priesthood as a missionary.  He was invited to East Africa to set up centers of Media Production and Youth Encounter for the Salesians of Don Bosco.  After 12 years of ministry in Africa he joined the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in 2010.

       With his enthusiasm for Scripture, music, photography and friendship, life is never dull wherever Fr. Tom goes.  He tries to live the message of the Lord, "I have come that you may have joy, joy to the full."   Welcome to St. John, Fr. Tom!!!!