Career
He is currently serving as an auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. After his ordination to the priesthood, Father O'Connell served as associate pastor at three parishes: St. Raymond in Downey St. Maria Goretti in Long Beach St. Hillary in Pico Rivera He has also served as Pastor at four parishes: St. Frances X. Cabrini St. Eugene St. Michael Father O'Connell also served as the Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Father O'Connell also served as the vicar general for the Archdiocese.
He is a Knight of Peter Claver. Throughout his lifelong ministry, he has demonstrated a great love for the poor. O'Connell was appointed by Pope Francis Titular Bishop of Cell Ausaille and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on July 21, 2015.
He was ordained a bishop by the Archbishop of Los Angeles José Horacio Gómez on September 8, 2015. Archbishop Gómez has assigned Bishop O'Connell as his Episcopal Vicar for the San Gabriel Pastoral Region.