His first assignment was as an assistant to Father Thomas Hines at Limestone Hill, New York (now known as Lackawanna, New York). The parish there consisted of St. Patrick's church, St. Joseph's Orphanage, and St. John's Protectory.
He began his career as a helper for Father Thomas Hines at the Limestone Hill Parish in New York (now known as Lackawanna, New York). This parish included St. Patrick's Church, St. Joseph's Orphanage, and St. John's Protectory.