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Rev. Alfonso J. ConchaFather Al Concha was born in Ecuador and graduated from St. Peter Pasqual High School. He attended the Catholic University of Ecuador and obtained a Certificate in Philosophy.
In 1972, he entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (1974) and a Master's of Divinity (1976). Father Al was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 15, 1976.
His additional education includes graduate studies in counseling at Villanova University (1976-1977), graduate studies in pastoral counseling at the University of San Diego (1994-1995), United States military training (1991-2011) and chaplain’s school education (2008-2010).
He also attended general studies at the University of Maryland's Sigonella (Italy) campus. In 2010, Fr. Al began theological studies for an STL in Spirituality at the S. Paul School of Catania, Italy.
Father Al served in several parishes, including St. Bonaventure (1976-1978), the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul (1978-1983), St. John Bosco (1983-1988), and St. Mark (1988-1991).
In 1991, Father Al was released from the Archdiocese to serve as a US Navy Chaplain. He attended the Chaplain’s school in Newport, RI and was assigned to the Second Marine Air Wing, at Cherry Point, NC. He completed selective passenger qualifications and Cold Weather Survival training during the exercise Alpine Warrior (1992). He then deployed to Northern NATO exercises in Norway during exercise Battle Griffin (1992 and 1993). He deployed to Turkey in support of Teamwork and Display Determination (1993) and Cope Thunder (1993) at Eielson AFB, Alaska.
From 1994 to May 1996, Father Concha served as the PHIBRON ONE Chaplain in San Diego, CA. He deployed on a WESTPAC (1995) and in 1996 aboard the USS PELELIU (LHA 5) in support of Iron Magic/Iron Siren and Eastern Maverick exercises. Then, he reported to the US Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan (1996-1999). From July 1999 to September 2001, he served as the Flight Line Chaplain at NAS in Corpus Christi, TX. From October 2001 to November 2003 he served aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) , where he deployed on a WESTPAC (2001) and in 2002 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
He then transferred to NAVSUPFAC Diego Garcia from December 2003 until January 2005. In February 2005, he moved to MCAS in Iwakuni, Japan until November 2006. From December 2006 to November 2008 Commander Concha served and deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa, Japan. Father Al reported to NAS in Sigonella, Italy in December 2008 till 2011 as Command Chaplain.
Father Al Concha became a US Navy Commander and has received military awards including the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Commendation Medal (8), the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and various service and unit awards. Commander Concha retired from the US Navy in June 2011.
Father Al served at St. Francis de Sales Church in Philadelphia from July to August 2011 and then attended a priests’ training at the North American College in Rome. He reported to St. Matthew Parish on December 17, 2011 where he served until June 2012. On June 30, 2012, he became Pastor of St. Agnes Church in West Chester, PA. Father Al was assigned as Administrator to St. Bridget’s Church in Philadelphia on January 18, 2016.
On June 20, 2016, Father Al was appointed Pastor of St. William Church.