Deacon Jack Shea, along with sixteen other men, applied and then was subsequently selected for the Diaconate in the late 1990’s. He earned his Masters Degree in Religious Studies from Providence College and was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Robert McManus in October 2002. Deacon Jack and his wife Catherine were then assigned to St. Mary’s and St. James by Bishop McManus.

Here at St Mary’s, Deacon Jack is Pastoral Minister for the Homebound where he and his wife Catherine visit shut-ins and nursing homes throughout Charlestown and the surrounding areas. He is the RCIA Director, Adult Scripture and Theology Teacher, a member of the Pastoral Planning and Stewardship Committees and Pastoral Assistant conducting Communion and other services within the parish.

Deacon Jack serves on the Diocesan Deacon Advisory Board (social chair) and as Master of Ceremonies at Diocesan Confirmations. His ministry also includes conducting bi-weekly Communion Services at South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown and St. Elizabeth Community Home in East Greenwich.