Farewell to Father Damian
The Vicar for Clergy Personnel of the Diocese informed us that our Father Damian will be assigned to parish ministry as the new Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Islip. The new assignment takes effect on October 1st of this year.
We are so grateful for these past eight years as Father Damian has been able to celebrate Masses for us at Saint Thomas on weekends and weekday mornings while still fulfilling his full-time ministry as chaplain to NYU Langone Hospital (Winthrop Hospital).
Please join us for a Mass of Farewell and Hospitality to follow on Sunday, September 27th. Mass wil be the 10:30 Mass in the Upper Church and Hospitality in the Parish Center following the Mass. (By the way, September 27th is Father Damian's Birthday!!!
Here is a brief biography of Father Damian
THE PRIESTLY JOURNEY OF FR. DAMIAN UMEOKEKE
A Journey of Faith and Service
Fr. Damian Umeokeke was born on September 27, 1968, and raised in Azigbo Town, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. His early life was shaped by faith, family, community, and the care of his grandmother, the late Mrs. Margaret Okodo. He began his primary education in Azigbo before entering St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor, and later All Hallows’ Seminary, Onitsha. From 1990 to 1998, he studied philosophy and theology at Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, Ulakwo-Obube, Owerri, Imo State.
ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
On July 25, 1998, Fr. Damian was ordained a Catholic priest at St. David’s Catholic Church, Azigbo, by the late Most Rev. Albert Kanenechukwu Obiefuna, then Archbishop of Onitsha.
His ordination began his lifelong service to God and His people.
EARLY PRIESTLY MINISTRY
After his ordination, Fr. Damian served in several parishes within the then Archdiocese of Onitsha. He served as Assistant Priest at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Amichi, while also caring for St. James Catholic Church, Amichi. He later served as Assistant Priest at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, New Haven, Onitsha. In 2001, he became Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Atani, where he served until 2002.
RETURN TO THE DIOCESE OF NNEWI
In 2002, after the establishment of the Diocese of Nnewi, Fr. Damian returned to his home diocese. He became Pastor of St. Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Parish, Ukpor Center, where he served the faithful and supported the growth of the new diocese.
MINISTRY AND STUDIES IN THE UNITED STATES
In 2006, Fr. Damian traveled to the United States for further studies at St. John’s University. He earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Theology in 2008. While studying, he was also helping temporarily at Long Island Jewish Hospital. After completing his studies, he began serving as a hospital chaplain.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY IN NEW YORK
Fr. Damian served with the Archdiocese of New York as a chaplain at Beth Israel Medical Center for approximately four years. He provided spiritual and pastoral care to patients and families during times of illness, suffering, recovery, and loss.
MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF MANCHESTER
Fr. Damian later served in the Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire, at Elliot Hospital, Manchester. He worked there as a hospital chaplain for approximately six years, caring for patients, families, and healthcare workers.
RETURN TO NEW YORK AND PRESENT MINISTRY
In 2018, Fr. Damian returned to New York and joined the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He was assigned to NYU Langone Hospital—Mineola, formerly known as Winthrop Hospital, where he continues to serve as a hospital chaplain. His ministry involves supporting patients, families, and healthcare workers during times of joy, anxiety, illness, recovery, and loss. He also participates in the life of the parish connected with his ministry.
28 YEARS OF PRIESTLY MINISTRY
On July 25, 2026, Fr. Damian Umeokeke celebrates 28 years of priesthood. His journey has taken him from childhood in Azigbo to seminary formation, parish ministry in Nigeria, advanced studies in the United States, and many years of hospital chaplaincy. Through every stage, his priesthood has remained focused on serving God and His people.
A CONTINUING JOURNEY
Fr. Damian’s priestly journey continues to be shaped by faith, service, and dedication. From Azigbo to the seminary, from parish ministry to hospital chaplaincy, and from Nigeria to the United States, he has served wherever he has been called.