Father Patrick Winbush has been a member of the Benedictine Monks of Newark Abbey since July 1999. He professed his simple vows on July 11, 2001, and his solemn vows on September 24, 2005. After being ordained a transitional deacon on July 9, 2022, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 2023, by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington.

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Throughout his monastic life, Fr. Patrick has served the community with dedication. At St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, he worked as a theology teacher, campus minister, assistant dean of discipline, level dean, and faculty group moderator. He later became the principal of St. Mary’s School in Newark, serving in that role for two years.

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Within the monastery, Fr. Patrick has taken on multiple leadership positions, including Director of Vocations (2007–2023), Director of Benedictine Volunteers, Guestmaster, and Liquor Master. Since 2012, he has served as the Abbey Sub-Prior, and as of July 1, 2025, he is the Rector of St. Mary’s Church.

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Fr. Patrick also contributed to the wider Church, serving for four years as chairperson of the Archdiocese of Newark Vocation Board for Religious Life. He is a graduate of St. Peter’s University and the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University.

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He is a proud member of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, continuing his commitment to faith, leadership, and service.