Fr. Stu Pinette was born in 1960 and brought up in New Milford, CT in the western part of the state, attending the public schools and graduating from New Milford High School in 1978.  His mom and dad now live in Granby and he enjoys spending time with them and nurturing their close relationship.

     Fr. Stu did his undergraduate studies at St. Thomas Seminary and the University of Hartford, receiving a B.A. in History with a minor in Philosophy. He did graduate work overseas in England, obtaining a degree in Politics and Philosophy from Hertford College at Oxford University.  He then returned to the States and completed his priestly studies at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, earning a Master of Divinity degree and an additional Licentiate in Systematic Theology from the Pontifical faculty. Father has been teaching in the formation program for deacon candidates in the archdiocese for almost 20 years. He also had the chance to work with gifted priests, religious and lay members in the former diocesan Office of Small Christian Communities, the Committee for Priestly Enrichment, and the ethics committee at Franciscan Healthcare in Meriden.

     Father was ordained on April 29, 1995 (the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena!) at St. Joseph Cathedral by Archbishop Daniel Cronin. His first assignment was as the Associate Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Hamden. Since then he has been the pastor of five parishes: 2 years at St. Michael Church in the North End of Hartford, 5 years at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Oakville, 9 years at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Rocky Hill, nearly 2 years at the linked churches of St. Therese & St. Frances Cabrini in North Haven, and here in our parish community of Saint Marianne Cope.

     Fr. Stu loves working with members and families of all ages, especially young ones who are striving to know Jesus in a deeper way in their busy lives.  He believes that’s the invitation we all have: to come to know the Lord in new ways as we worship, learn, and serve in his name, reaching out to others to join us on the walk of faith. Father enjoys collaborating with the dedicated members of Saint Marianne Cope as we build parish in exciting ways together. He’s always available to chat with after Mass or you can contact him through the parish office. He feels blessed to be here in East Windsor.