Msgr. Michael J. Alliegro

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Born Jan. 24, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Anthony and Marie Louise Pommier Alliegro, our new Rector also serves as Executive Director of the Department of Worship and Liturgical Formation for the Diocese of Metuchen.

He attended Our Lady of Peace School, Fords, and Mother of Our Savior Seminary High School, Blackwood. Msgr. Alliegro graduated cum laude from Seton Hall University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in classical languages, and earned a master’s degree in systematic theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mahwah. He was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend George W. Ahr at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Trenton, NJ, on May 19, 1973. He also did post-graduate work in Church History at Princeton Theological Seminary, Medieval Studies at Fordham University, and homiletics at Drew University. In addition, he received certification in secondary school administration from Seton Hall University.

Msgr. Alliegro served as associate pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords (1973-74), and administrator of St. Elizabeth/St. Brigid Parish, Far Hills/Peapack (1983-84) and Pastor, St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook (1984-1990) and St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick (1990 – 2007).
He has also held the positions of vice-principal at St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel (1974-1976), and principal of St. Thomas Aquinas (now Bishop Ahr) High School, Edison (1976-1980). In September, 1980 he was named chairman, Department of Pastoral Theology, Immaculate Conception Seminary, teaching homiletics and ecclesiology. In Nov. 1981, he was called to serve as secretary to then-Bishop Theodore E. McCarrick for the new Diocese of Metuchen.

In December, 1985, he added the duties of associate director of vocations to his responsibilities. In 1987 he was appointed diocesan Vicar for Pastoral Life by Bishop Emeritus Edward T. Hughes and served in that capacity for twelve years. He was named a Prelate of Honor with the title Monsignor by the Servant of God, Pope John Paul II on October 8, 1993.

Msgr. Alliegro also served on the Council of Priests and the Priest Personnel Board of the Diocese of Trenton; the Public Policy Committee of the New Jersey Catholic Conference; and as Director of Development and Executive Director of the Department of Education for the Diocese of Metuchen. Msgr. Alliegro currently serves as a member of the Presbyteral Council and Priest Personnel Board.

Msgr. Alliegro died August 17th, 2009, may he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus the Eternal High Priest.