Summer brings changes around our school. The hallways and lockers are empty for now, but crews are busy renovating and cleaning in preparation for new school year.
In the Chaplain’s office, the summer brings change, too. Rev. Phillip Cozzi ’93, who has served our students and our staff with dedication for the past three years, was recently appointed as parochial vicar at St. Timothy Church in Chantilly. As with our previous clergy at the school, Father Cozzi leaves very big shoes to fill here at O’Connell and we pray for continued success in his ministry to the Church.
Our school welcomes its new Chaplain, Rev. Gregory Thompson (pictured here), who most recently served as parochial vicar of St. John the Beloved parish in McLean. He has extensive experience working with parish youth groups, both at St. John and at All Saints in Manassas, where he previously served.
Father Thompson was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and attended Catholic schools from elementary through high school. He was taught by I.H.M. Sisters at St. Ephrem School in Bensalem, Pa. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Washington University before entering the seminary. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Arlington in 2006.
Father Thompson’s hobbies include guitar, ice hockey and improv theater. In fact, he is part of a Catholic improv troupe recently featured in the Arlington Herald.
“I am really looking forward to being a part of the Bishop O'Connell family,” said Father Thompson. “ It is my hope that every student, faculty member, and staff deepens in their relationship with Jesus Christ as a member of the O'Connell High School community. I hope to be as available as I can to everyone in the community and especially to those who are experiencing a difficult time in their lives and are looking for the consolation that only Christ can give.”
Please join us in welcoming Father Thompson into the O’Connell community.
He can be reached at frgthompson@bishopoconnell.org or 703-237-1441.