David M. O’Brien
Associate Director for Lay Development

David O’Brien joined the Office of Religious Education beginning September 1, 2005. His brings with him a unique combination of academic and pastoral experiences that will serve our Archdiocese well as we look forward to empowering our lay people for living out their apostolic call to bring the gospel to the world.

Mr. O’Brien’s education includes a B.S. in Communication/Religious Studies from BostonUniversity and a Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame. Mr. O’Brien also completed graduate coursework at the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in New Jersey and Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo, NY.

Mr. O’Brien provided lay ministry formation at every level of church work ranging from Archdiocesan conferences and seminars to parish- based certification programs and workshops. He taught theology at the University of Notre Dame and later spearheaded the introduction of lay ministry formation programs in the Archdiocese of Newark.

Most recently, Mr. O’Brien worked at the Director of Parish Ministry at St. Teresa of Avila parish in New Jersey. He provided the vision & lay ministry training for parish Core Teams ministering in areas including: catechesis, evangelization, young adults ministry (Theology on Tap), youth ministry, spirituality, family ministry, social justice (JustFaith) and a sister parish outreach to Mexico.