Fr. Jay DeFolco

Dear Friends,

 I was born in Centralia, Washington, the youngest of four children.  I attended school in the Shoreline School District.  I graduated from Shoreline High School and majored in Philosophy at the University of Washington.  After college I went to the seminary in Washington DC and attended Catholic University of America.

 I was ordained in 1985 and have served at St. Brendan in Bothell and All Saints in Puyallup as a Parochial Vicar.  While I was chaplain at O'Dea High School, I served at St. Patricks in Seattle and at St. Mary Magdalene in Everett.  As pastor I have served at St. John Vianney in Kirkland and Assumption/Sacred Heart in Bellingham. 

 My hobbies include fishing, camping and gardening.  I love working puzzles and enjoy science fiction (I have gone to several Star Trek Conventions).

 I am presently Dean of the Snohomish Deanery.  I serve on the Presbyteral Council, Archdiocesan Building Commission and the Priest Policy Committee.

 Five years ago I began learning Spanish and have attended classes at local community colleges, Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, and for three months in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  I am far from fluent but am able to celebrate Mass and to preach at a weekly Spanish Mass and to celebrate sacraments and cultural events as needed.

 My favorite thing as a priest is to celebrate the Mass.  As a son of a construction worker I have also enjoyed building a new church in Kirkland, renovating and expanding a church and school in Bellingham and now trying to build a new church in Lake Stevens.  I enjoy challenges and trying new things. 

 I hope if you are new to our community that you will take the time to introduce yourself.  I try to keep Fridays open to visit parishioners.  So, let me know if you would like me to come to your home.  I look forward to getting to know you.

 God Bless,