Joe Farias (Fr)

Joe has moved many times in the last 40 years but most of these have
been between Morris and Passaic Counties. After studying Math at
Montclair State, he struggled though Philosophy and then Theology in
Baltimore. Responding to the idealism of our youth and changes in the
church, he studied at St. Mary's Seminary and was ordained. Later, he
studied Liturgy at Notre Dame, and will finally (and hopefully) finish
his doctorate in ritual studies this year.
Joe has spent most of his profession working with people under 25.
He was CYO director, then moved to college work. He's been at FDU and
Drew U. since '82, except for a brief stint as liturgy director for the
diocese. When he began at 32, it was easy to identify with the students.
Now, he cringes as he realizes he's older than graduates' parents. He
claims he works hard at fraternity meetings, pub parties, Facebook,
spring flings, sorority formals... oh, and bible studies.
A great side effect of Joe's work is he comes across many PP grads
or relatives, either at the colleges or the many churches where he's
filled in. Names like Salzer, Hayowyk, Potosnak, Caputi, Popek,
Cessaletti, Emerick, Heffernan, Graham, Martin, Bruning, Mihalko and
Potosnak are only some of the names he's encountered through his work.
It was great to be part of Allison Fashek's baptism, and then her
wedding. And... she just took her newly born daughter home. He works with
a Dominican sister so hears about some of our teachers as well--good and
bad. He's teaching a course at St. E's college and his text is by former
PP rel. teacher, Bernie Prusak.
Luckily, Parents Weekend changes Joe's church schedule at Drew, so
he'll be able to make his first reunion. To those who can't make it, he
says it won't be as good without you.