He is a graduate of the University of Scranton, where he also received his Master's Degree in United States History. In 1979, he received his PhD in United States History from Fordham University. He received an S.T.L., Magna Cum Laude, from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Scranton in 1990, he served for ten years as Assistant Pastor of Saint Patrick's Parish in Scranton. He serves as Censor Librorum and Historian for the Diocese of Scranton.