|
Father Audette was born in Rhode Island and lived near Attleboro Massachusetts until he was drafted into the Korean War. He graduated from Saint Raphael Academy in Pawtucket RI and studied at a number of colleges and universities and holds advanced degrees in Management and Political Sciences. He earned his pilot wings in 1956 and served in a variety of assignments until he went to Viet Nam in 1965 and again in 1968 where he flew as a fighter pilot in the Phantom F-4. He was promoted to full Colonel at the age of 37, well before his peers, and directed Officers Assignments for the Air Force at USAF Headquarters until his assignment to the US Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal as the Defense and Air Attache. He left the USAF in 1980 and established his own Management Consulting firm in Washington, DC.
|
|
While a lieutenant in 1954, he married Mary Ann Poling. Together they had four children, Steve, Jeff, Michelle and Terry. The family claims Texas and Virginia as their primary homes. Mary Ann was from Mason City, Iowa - truly, they were blessed as best friends in a great marriage. Mary Ann died of cancer in 1989.
The inspiration to become a Roman Catholic priest came within hours of learning of his wife's fatal disease. Keeping this to himself, he knew of his priestly future as he held her in her last moments - "How could he repay God for this great gift of wife and friend… to serve Him in return…"
Father Audette began as a seminarian in 1990 in the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT and graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia with advanced degrees in Theology and Sacred Scripture. He was ordained in May 1993.
Father Audette’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar to St. Mary Church in Bethel, CT and after 2 ˝ years he was sent to St. Peter’s Church in Danbury, CT as the Parish Administrator. Seven months later, on August 2, 1996, he was appointed Pastor to Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Church in Brookfield CT.
