Fr. John Heffernan, O.F.M.
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Parochial Vicarhnpjohngmail.comFr. John was born in Buffalo, NY in 1951. One of five children, John became a dentist before entering the Franciscans in 1983. A friar for 35 years and a priest for 31, John has served in priestly ministry in various parishes, including Saint Camillus.
When John left Saint Camillus in 2006, he went to Peru. There, John engaged both in sacramental ministry and in offering dental care in remote jungle villages. He describes his years in Peru as a most transformative experience. Even now, John continues to provide that “on-the-road” style of dental care in Southern Mexico. Most recently, he has begun treating people on migrant trails. This is done in conjunction with Mexican Franciscans.
John returns to Saint Camillus from the friar parish on W. 96th Street in Manhattan. He is very happy to be coming back since he has wonderful memories of activities here in Silver Spring. In addition to his part-time work at St. Camillus, John is planning to resume chaplaincy ministry at Walter Reed Hospital and hopes to be able to volunteer in a local dental facility.
Most of all, John is looking forward to getting to know once again the people of Saint Camillus, both in Langley Park and in the whole parish. Welcome back, John, to Saint Camillus!
