The Norfield Congregational Church has named Reverend John ‘Jack’ Mahoney as its new Transitional Associate Minister for Children, Youth, and Families.

Rev. Mahoney, a Granby native, most recently served as an Associate Pastor at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Iowa. He has an undergraduate degree from Franklin & Marshall College. Following college, he taught Visual Arts at Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, MA, where he also coached water polo, wrestling, and lacrosse and served as a dorm parent. In the fall of 2018, Rev. Mahoney entered Yale Divinity School and graduated in the spring of 2021 with a Master of Divinity.

As the Transitional Associate Minister, Rev. Mahoney (along with Seminarian Minister Greta Dorsey) will oversee Norfield’s many youth programs for children ages 5 – 18, including Confirmation classes for ninth graders, Kids, Music & More (a weekly after school program for younger children), Youth Movie Nights, Youth and Family Retreats, Children’s Pageants, and other youth-related activities. Rev. Mahoney is actively working with the Weston Public Schools and town organizations, as well as participating in the liturgical life of Norfield Church’s community and administration.

In addition to his Norfield duties, Rev. Mahoney is a chaplain candidate in the United States Navy, pursuing a call to active-duty chaplaincy. “I have known Jack for over three years and have had the privilege of serving as his mentor, including the honor of preaching at his Ordination Service. I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jack to the Norfield ministry team,” said Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson, Senior Minister at Norfield, a former Navy Chaplain.

Asked about his first impressions of Weston, Rev. Mahoney said, “It’s been a blessing and a bit of a transition, too. The Des Moines church had over 4,000 members, and it was difficult to meet the parishioners. But in Weston, I’ve been able to jump right in, get to know the congregation, as well as town leaders and school administrators.”

In just a few short weeks, Rev. Mahoney has participated in the “Weston Stands Strong Against Anti-Semitism” rally and on Veterans Day, joining a panel of veterans who spoke to students and faculty at Weston High School. He also delivered the opening convocation at this year’s Kiwanis 5K run, then joined the runners and completed the course. Rev. Mahoney enjoys cooking, reading, exercising, hiking, painting, and drawing. He resides in Weston with his fiancée, Lizzie, and their cat, Stella.