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Clerical Appointments 2023

September 2023.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted:

DIOCESAN OFFICE

Reverend Tymoteusz Tarnacki, O.S.P.P.E., to Director of the Office for Ministry with Young Adults, effective September 5, 2023

PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS

Reverend Marc F. Capizzi, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Andrew Parish, Newtown, and Chaplain, Conwell-Egan High School, to Parochial Administrator, Mother of Divine Providence Parish, King of Prussia, effective October 2, 2023

Reverend Sean P. English, to Parochial Administrator, pro tem, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, North Wales, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Stanislaus Parish, Lansdale, effective September 8, 2023

Reverend Thomas M. Higgins to Parochial Administrator, pro tem, Saint Anne Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Pastor, Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia, and Regional Dean, Deanery 12, effectvie August 14, 2023

Reverend Edward T. Kearns to Parochial Administrator, pro tem, Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, effectvie August 18, 2023

PAROCHIAL VICARS

Reverend Henry F. Graebe, III, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Eleanor Parish, Collegeville, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Andrew Parish, Newtown, effective October 2, 2023

Reverend John Bosco Sammanasunathan, SdC, to part time Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Milmont Park, effective August 14, 2023

  Reverend John P. Stokely, from Graduate Studies, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Eleanor Parish, Collegeville, effective October 2, 2023

EDUCATION APOSTOLATE

  Reverend Michael G. Speziale to Chaplain, Conwell-Egan High School, Fairless Hills, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Ephrem Parish, Bensalem, effective October 2, 2023

PERMANENT DEACON

  Deacon Michael J. Cushing, from Saint Jude Parish, Chalfont, to Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Warminster, effective August 21, 2023

  Deacon Edward Rodes, to Permanent Deacon, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia, effective September 15, 2023

SPECIAL MINISTRY

Reverend Monsignor John C. Marine , to Episcopal Vicar, pro tem, of Episcopal Region III, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland, and Regional Dean, Deanery #10, effective July 1, 2023

Reverend Michael Cunningham, C.Ss.R., to Pastor, Saint Peter the Apostle Parish, Philadelphia, effective August 16, 2023

  Reverend Joseph Dionne, C.Ss.R., to Parochial Vicar, Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, effective August 16, 2023

Reverend John Kingsbury, C.Ss.R., to Parochial Vicar, Saint Peter the Apostle Parish, Philadelphia, effective August 30, 2023

Reverend Gerard Knapp, C.Ss.R., to Parochial Vicar, Saint Peter the Apostle Parish, Philadelphia, effective August 16, 2023

Reverend Michael J. Saban , to Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, Ambler, while continuing as Parochial Vicar, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Ambler ,  effective June 19, 2023.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective June 19, 2023 , unless otherwise noted:

Reverend Martin Kook-Don Joo, to  Parochial Vicar, Holy Angels Parish, Philadelphia, effective June 8, 2023

Reverend Federico Masutti, FSSP, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Parish, Conshohocken, effective July 1, 2023

RETIREMENT – PERMANENT DEACONS

Deacon Joseph R. DeRosa, Diocese of Trenton

Deacon Michael G. Conroy, Saint Genevieve, Flourtown, effective September 30, 2023

Deacon William W. Evans, Corpus Christi Parish, Lansdale

Deacon Patrick J. Mandracchia, Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Norristown

Deacon Edward R. Schiappa, Saint Joseph Parish, Downingtown

NEWLY ORDAINED PERMANENT DEACONS

Deacon Paul A. Fisher, to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Strafford

Deacon James J. McGonigal, to Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Springfield

Deacon David M. McGovern, to Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Levittown

Deacon Christopher T. Parker, to Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales

PERMANENT DEACONS – ASSIGNMENT CHANGES

Deacon Michael Bell, from Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philadelphia, to release to the Diocese of Orlando

Deacon Edward J. Morris, from Saint Albert the Great Parish, Huntingdon Valley, to Saint John Bosco Parish, Hatboro, effective September 11, 2023

Deacon William J. Moser, from Saint William Parish, Philadelphia, to Saint Cecilia Parish, Philadelphia

Deacon John P. Rose, from Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Strafford, to Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown  

PERMANENT DEACONS – SPLIT ASSIGNMENT

Deacon Joseph W. Bernauer, Jr, from Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, as a primary assignment, and Saint Hilary of Poitiers Parish, Rydal, as a secondary assignment, to Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, and Saint Hilary of Poitiers as a split assignment  

PERMANENT DEACONS – SECONDARY ASSIGNMENTS

Deacon Donald P. DiCarlo, to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, School of Theological Studies, while continuing at Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Villanova

Deacon John H. Farrell, to Saint John the Baptist Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Drexel Hill  

Deacon Patrick Kennedy, to Saint Ambrose Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing at Office of Life and Family, Archdiocesan Pastoral Center

Deacon Timothy P. Lynch, to Saint Timothy Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing at Saint Jude Parish, Chalfont

Deacon James L. Mahoney, to Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing at Saint Athanasius Parish, Philadelphia

Deacon John P. Teson, to Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing at Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philadelphia

Deacon James V. Walsh, to Saint Gabriel Parish, Norwood, while continuing at Saint Eugene Parish, Primos.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective June 26, 2023 :

Reverend Marc Capizzi, to Chaplain, Conwell-Egan High School, Fairless Hills, while continuing as Parochial Vicar, Saint Andrew Parish, Newtown

Reverend Kenneth Cavara, to Chaplain, Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School, Philadelphia, while continuing as Parochial Vicar, Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Joseph McCaffrey, to Chaplain, Archbishop John Carroll High School, Radnor, while continuing as Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Milmont Park

Reverend Addisalem Mekonnen, to  Chaplain, West Catholic Preparatory High School, Philadelphia, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Martin De Porres, Philadelphia

Reverend David O’Brien, from School Minister, Lansdale Catholic High School, Lansdale, to Chaplain, Lansdale Catholic High School, Lansdale, and Chaplain, Archbishop Wood High School, Warminister

Reverend Anthony Raymundo, from School Minister, Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill, to Chaplain, Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill, and Chaplain, Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia

Reverend Eugene Wilson, to Chaplain, Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Gabriel Parish, Stowe

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective June 19, 2023 , unless otherwise noted: 

PASTORS EMERITI

Reverend James A. Callahan, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia

     Father Callahan is retiring and his residence is to be determined

Reverend Alfonso J. Concha, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia

     Father Concha is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend Edward T. Kearns, Saint Dominic Parish, Philadelphia

     Father Kearns has been reassigned as a Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest

Reverend Monsignor Stephen P. McHenry, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Ambler

     Monsignor McHenry is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend John J. Newns, Saint Ann Parish, Phoenixville

     Father News is retiring and will reside at Saint Matthew Parish, Conshohocken

Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Nicolo, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell

     Monsignor Nicolo is retiring and will reside at Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Norristown

Reverend Monsignor Wilfred J. Pashley, Saint Barbara Parish, Philadelphia

     Monsignor Pashley is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend Eugene M. Tully, Saint Joseph Parish, Ambler

     Father Tully is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Dunleavy, Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest,  Saint Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester, and Pastor Emeritus, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia      Monsignor Dunleavy will reside at a private residence

Reverend Dennis Z. Fedak, Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest,  Corpus Christi Parish, Lansdale, and Pastor Emeritus, Nativity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia,       Father Fedak will reside at a private residence

SEMINARY AND DIOCESAN OFFICES

Reverend Philip G. Bochanski, to Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, and   Episcopal Vicar, pro tem, of Episcopal Region II, with residence at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Reverend Monsignor Brian P. Hennessy, to Regional Dean of Deanery 7 while continuing as Pastor, Saint Alphonsus Parish, Maple Glen

Reverend Brian M. Kean, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd, to full-time Assistant Vicar for Clergy

Reverend Christopher Redcay, from Pastor, Saint Patrick Parish, Malvern, to Director of Spiritual Formation in the Theological Seminary, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, with residence at the Seminary

Reverend Matthew D. Brody, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Richard Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Richard Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. Duncan, from Pastor, Saint Albert the Great Parish, Huntingdon Valley, and Regional Dean of Deanery 7, to Pastor, Saint Patrick Parish, Malvern

Reverend Brian A. Izzo, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Eddystone, to Pastor, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Eddystone

Reverend Sean A. Loomis, from Parochial Administrator, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Havertown, to Pastor, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Havertown

Reverend John P. Masson, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Bernadette Parish, Drexel Hill, to Pastor, Saint Bernadette Parish, Drexel Hill

Reverend Robert B. McDermott, from Pastor, Saint John Fisher Parish, Boothwyn, to Pastor, Saint Albert the Great Parish, Huntingdon Valley

Reverend Addisalem T. Mekonnen, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia, to  Pastor, Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Thomas D. O’Donald, from Parochial Administrator, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Plymouth Meeting, to Pastor, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Plymouth Meeting

Reverend James C. Otto, from Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint John Fisher Parish, Boothwyn

Reverend Stephen H. Paolino, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Vincent De Paul Parish, Richboro, to Pastor, Saint Vincent De Paul Parish, Richboro

Reverend Anthony T. Rossi, from Pastor, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Agnes Parish, Sellersville

Reverend Jeffrey M. Stecz, from Pastor, Saint Agnes Parish, Sellersville, to Pastor, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend George J. Szparagowski, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Philip Neri Parish, Lafayette Hill, to Pastor, Saint Philip Neri Parish, Lafayette Hill

Reverend Stephen D. Thorne, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Barbara Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Barbara Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Quan M. Trinh, from Parochial Administrator, Divine Mercy Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Joseph S. Zaleski, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Katherine of Siena Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Katherine of Siena Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Daniel J. Arechabala, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Ann Parish, Phoenixville

Reverend Monsignor Francis W. Beach, from Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Katharine of Siena Parish, Wayne, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd,  and Consultant for the Comprehensive Campaign for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Reverend Joseph W. Bongard, from Rector, Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Titus Parish, Norristown

Reverend Brian T. Connolly, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Dominic Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Francesco M. D’Amico, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Aloysius Parish, Pottstown, to Parochial Administrator, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Thomas J. Gardner, from Newman Chaplain, West Chester University, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia,  and Newman Chaplain, Temple University

Reverend Shaun L. Mahoney, from Newman Chaplain, Temple University Newman Center, to Parochial Administrator, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia 

Reverend James T. McGuinn, from Rector, Saint Joseph’s-in-the-Hills Retreat House, Malvern, to  Parochial Administrator, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Ambler, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Joseph Parish, Ambler

Reverend Remigio Morales, S.C.V., to Parochial Administrator, Saint Agatha/Saint James Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend John J. Pidgeon , from Parochial Vicar, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Limerick, to Parochial Administrator, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia

SENIOR PRIESTS

Reverend Edward T. Kearns, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Dominic Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Kutys, from Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, part-time Saint Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill, and part-time Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square

Reverend Herbert J. Sperger, from as Director of Spiritual Formation, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown

NEWLY ORDAINED

Reverend Anthony J. Albanese, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Laurence Parish, Upper Darby

Reverend Shane M. Flanagan, to Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown

Reverend Randall J. Kraft, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester

Reverend Phong T. Le, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Cecilia Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend John C.  Okpara, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Kenneth I. Omeke, to Parochial Vicar, Saints Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester

Reverend Wesly L. Taveras Medina, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Aloysius Parish, Pottstown

Reverend Kyle M. Adamczyk, from School Minister, Conwell-Egan High School, Fairless Hills, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell, and Saint Titus Parish, Norristown

Reverend Brandon M. Artman, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, to Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

Reverend Matthew K. Biedrzycki, from Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Wilfred E. Emeh, from part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia, and part time Newman Chaplain, Temple University

Reverend Alessandro P. Giardini, from School Minister, Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester

Reverend Carlos F. Keen, S.C.V., from Parochial Administrator, Saint Agatha/Saint James Parish, Philadelphia, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Agatha/Saint James Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Edward C. Kelly, from Faculty, Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell, and Saint Titus Parish, Norristown

Reverend Richard K. McFadden, from part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Philip Neri Parish, Lafayette Hill, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, while continuing as Vice Chancellor

Reverend Jeffrey M. Rott, from Parochial Vicar, Mother of Divine Providence Parish, King of Prussia, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Limerick

Reverend Peter J. Welsh, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul with primary responsibility for Spanish Ministry and part-time Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia, with residence at Sacred Heart of Jesus Rectory

Reverend Mark J. Cavara, from School Minister, Archbishop John Carroll High School, Radnor, to Newman Chaplain, West Chester University, with continued residence at Saint Patrick Parish, Malvern

Reverend Douglas M. McKay, from Chaplain, Our House Ministries, to Rector, Saint Joseph’s-in-the-Hills Retreat House, Malvern

Reverend Christopher C. Moriconi, from graduate studies in Sacred Scripture in Rome, to doctoral studies in Sacred Scripture at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

Reverend Diogo Escudero, O.F.M. Cap., to Chaplain to the Portugese and Brazilian Communities, effective July 1, 2023

Reverend Robert F. Lucas, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Cecilia Parish, Philadelphia, to Chaplain, University City Hospitals, with residence at Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Robert Ngageno, from Chaplain, Immaculate Mary Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, Philadelphia, to Chaplain, University City Hospitals, with residence at Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Quy K. Pham, previously appointed Chaplain, University City Hospitals, with residence at Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia, has been appointed Chaplain, Immaculate Mary Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, with residence at Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective May 22, 2023:

Reverend Monsignor George L. Strausser, Chaplain, University City Hospitals, to health leave of absence

Reverend Quy K. Pham, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Albert the Great Parish, Huntingdon Valley, to Chaplain, University City Hospitals, with residence at Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia

February 2023

PAROCHIAL VICAR

Reverend Komlan D. Gnangba, F.M., to Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, Coatesville, effective January 10, 2023

Reverend Mark A. Tobin, to Chaplain, Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster, while continuing as Parochial Vicar, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales, effective February 8, 2023

January 2023

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective January 20, 2023 , unless otherwise noted:

Reverend Michael F. Hennelly, to  Parochial Administrator, Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Vicar for Clergy

Reverend Thomas P. Kletzel, from Pastor, Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Thomas More Parish, Pottstown

Reverend William S. Lange, from health leave, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, West Chester, effective December 16, 2022

Reverend Stephen D. Thorne, from Independent Graduate Studies, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Barbara Parish, Philadelphia

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Latest Clerical Assignments Announced by Archbishop Pérez

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By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted May 20, 2024

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez announces the following appointments effective June 17, 2024, unless otherwise noted:

PASTORS EMERITI

Reverend Monsignor Ralph J. Chieffo, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Media Monsignor Chieffo is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend Monsignor Angelo R. Citino, Pastor Emeritus, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Chester Monsignor Citino is retiring and will reside at Saint Ephrem Parish, Bensalem

Reverend Monsignor John T. Conway, Pastor Emeritus, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales Monsignor Conway  has been reassigned as a Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest

Reverend Lawrence F. Crehan, Pastor Emeritus, Queen of Peace Parish, Ardsley Father Crehan is retiring and will reside at Saint Bernadette Parish, Drexel Hill

Reverend James A. Lyons, Pastor Emeritus, Our Lady of Charity Parish, Brookhaven Father Lyons is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend Harry E. McCreedy, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Paul Parish, East Norriton Father McCreedy is retiring and will reside at a private residence

Reverend Monsignor Thomas M. Mullin, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Upper Uwchlan Monsignor Mullin is retiring and will reside at Saint John Chrysostom Parish, Wallingford

Reverend Leo P. Oswald, Pastor Emeritus, Saint George Parish, Glenolden Father Oswald is retiring and will reside at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby

Reverend Monsignor Michael C. Picard, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Andrew Parish, Newtown Monsignor Picard is retiring and will reside at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Reverend Monsignor Francis W. Beach, Parochial Administrator, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd, and Pastor Emeritus, Saint Jude Parish, Chalfont. Monsignor Beach will reside at a private residence.

Reverend Monsignor Robert J. Carroll, Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill, and Pastor Emeritus, Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, West Chester. Monsignor Carroll will reside at a private residence.

Reverend Stephen F. Katziner, Parochial Vicar, Saint Ephrem Parish, Bensalem. Father Katziner will reside at Regina Coeli Residence for Priests, Warminster

Reverend John J. Large, Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia, and Pastor Emeritus, Saint Paul Parish, Philadelphia. Father Large will reside at Saint Gabriel Parish, Norwood.

Reverend Richard E. Rudy, Parochial Vicar, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Morrisville. Father Rudy will reside at a private residence.

Reverend Monsignor George L. Strausser, health leave of absence. Monsignor Strausser will reside at a private residence.

Reverend Vincent Tung The Pham, Parochial Vicar, Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia. Father Tung the Pham will remain in residence at Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia.

Reverend Daniel J. Arechabala, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Ann Parish, Phoenixville, to Pastor, Saint Ann Parish, Phoenixville, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Phoenixville

Reverend Eric J. Banecker, from Pastor, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Media

Reverend Joseph W. Bongard, from  Parochial Administrator, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell, to Pastor, Saint Helena Parish, Bell Blue, while continuing as Parochial Administrator, Saint Titus Parish, Norristown

Reverend Francesco M. D’Amico, from Parochial Administrator, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia, to  Pastor, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend James R. DeGrassa, from Pastor, Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Queen of Peace Parish, Ardsley

Reverend John E. Donia, from President, Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown, and  Parochial Administrator, pro tem, Saint Basil the Great Parish, Kimberton, to Pastor, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Upper Uwchlan, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Thomas More Parish, Pottstown

Reverend Thomas J. Gardner, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Newman Chaplain, Temple University

Reverend James E. Goerner, from Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Morton, to Pastor, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Eddystone and Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Charity Parish, Brookhaven

Reverend John P. Hutter, from Pastor, Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Phoenixville, to Pastor, Saint Timothy Parish, Philadelphia, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Bartholomew Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Brian A. Izzo, from Pastor, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Eddystone, to Pastor, Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Monsignor Kevin C. Lawrence, from Pastor, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Philadelphia, and Regional Dean, Deanery #6, to Pastor, Saint Andrew Parish, Newtown

Reverend Shaun L. Mahoney, from Parochial Administrator, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Joseph L. Maloney, from Pastor, Saint Aloysius Parish, Pottstown, to Pastor, Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Alan J. Okon, from Pastor, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Lenni, to Pastor, Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia, with residence at Saint Matthew Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Monsignor James M. Oliver, from service outside the Archdiocese, to Pastor, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia, and Vice Chancellor, effective August 26, 2024

Reverend Michael S. Olivere, from Pastor, Saint Timothy Parish, Philadelphia, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Bartholomew Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Peter Parish, West Brandywine

Reverend Michael J. Pawelko, from Pastor, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Hilltown, to Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Warrington

Reverend Michael J. Reilly, from Pastor, Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Chester

Reverend Joseph T. Shenosky, from Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Oxford, and Regional Dean, Deanery #3, to Pastor, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales

Reverend Bernard J. Taglianetti, from Pastor, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, North Wales

Reverend Eugene C. Wilson, from Pastor, Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Parish, Stowe, to Pastor, Saint Aloysius Parish, Pottstown, and Parochial Administrator, Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Parish, Stowe, while continuing as Chaplain, Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford

PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS

Reverend Brandon M. Artman, from Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, to Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Morton

Reverend Monsignor J. Brian Bransfield, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Lenni, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Aston

Reverend Kenneth L. Cavara, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia, and Chaplain, Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School, to Parochial Administrator, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Stephen P. DeLacy, to Parochial Administrator, pro tem, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia, effective June 17-August 25, 2024, while continuing as Vicar for Faith Formation with youth and Young Adults

Reverend Joseph F. Gleason, from Chaplain, Bryn Mawr Hospital, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd,  while continuing as Chaplain at Lankenau Hospital

Reverend John D. Hand, to Parochial Administrator, Saint George Parish, Glenolden, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Gabriel Parish, Norwood

Reverend Cesar J. Izaguirre, from Parochial Vicar, Queen of the Universe Parish, Levittown, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown

Reverend Lourdes Sri Dharshanna Jayamanne, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Anne Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Anne Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Andrew O. Labatorio, to Parochial Administrator, Saint James Parish, Elkins Park, while continuing as Administrator, Our Lady of Hope Parish

Reverend Andrew F. Lane, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Timothy Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Martin of Tours Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Chaplain, Little Flower High School

Reverend Tadeusz R. Lizinczyk, O.S.P.P.E., to Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Hilltown

Reverend Richard K. McFadden, from part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Paul Parish, East Norriton, while continuing as Vice Chancellor

Reverend Ryan Nguyen, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Monsignor David C. Quitugua, from Parochial Vicar, Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Darby, to Parochial Administrator, Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Darby

Reverend Anthony M. Raymundo, from Chaplain, Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia and Chaplain, Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill, to Parochial Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Oxford

Reverend John P. Stokely, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Eleanor Parish, Collegeville, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Basil the Great Parish, Kimberton,  effective June 3, 2024

SENIOR PRIESTS

Reverend William J. Chiriaco, from School Minister, Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown, and Parochial Administrator, pro tem, Saint Peter Parish, West Brandywine, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Katherine of Siena Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Monsignor John Conway, Pastor Emeritus, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Upper Uwchlan

Reverend Thomas P. Kletzel, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Thomas More Parish, Pottstown, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Ann Parish, Phoenixville

Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Kutys, from Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, part-time Saint Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill, and part-time Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, to full time Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill

Reverend Herbert J. Sperger, from Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Doylestown

EDUCATION APOSTOLATE

Reverend Louis J. Monica, from School Minister, Archbishop Ryan High School, Philadelphia, to School Minister, Bishop Shanahan High School, with residence at Saint Joseph Parish, Downingtown

NEWLY ORDAINED

Reverend Bernard O. Ekeagwu, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia

Reverend Gregory H. Miller, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square

Reverend Brendan R. Zehner, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland

PAROCHIAL VICARS

Reverend Lenin Fernandez Anderson, to  Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, Aston, and Chaplain to the Indian Latin Rite Catholic Community, effective May 6, 2024

Reverend Joseph C. Bordonaro, from Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Warrington, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Eleanor Parish, Collegeville

Reverend Edward E. Brady, from Chaplain, Holy Redeemer Health System, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Gabriel Parish, Norwood

Reverend Mariano Dellagiovanna, from Parochial Administrator, Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Darby, to Parochial Vicar, Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Darby, while continuing as Vicar Rector, Redemptoris Mater Seminary

Reverend Manuel J. Flores, from  Parochial Administrator, Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown, to Parochial Vicar, Queen of the Universe Parish, Levittown

Reverend Celestine C. Madubuko, from part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Gabriel Parish, Norwood, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Timothy Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Chaplain to the Igbo Community

Reverend Joseph Sundaram, to Chaplain, Holy Redeemer Health System, Huntingdon Valley, with residence at Saint Albert the Great Parish, Huntingdon Valley

Reverend Monsignor Gregory J. Fairbanks, Dean of the School of Diaconal Formation, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, to Saint Rose of Lima Parish, North Wales

Reverend Harold B. McKale, Chaplain, Saint John Neumann Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, to Saint Martha Parish, Philadelphia

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Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia

Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Keith J. Chylinski, Rev. Christopher R. Cooke, and Rev. Efren V. Esmilla, as auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia.

WASHINGTON - Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Keith J. Chylinski, Rev. Christopher R. Cooke, and Rev. Efren V. Esmilla, as auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia. Bishop-elect Chylinski is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and currently rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Bishop-elect Cooke is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and currently dean of men for the theology seminary at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Bishop-elect Esmilla is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, currently serving pastor of Saint James the Great parish in Elkins Park, and Saint Martin of Tours in Philadelphia. The appointments were publicized in Washington, D.C. on December 8, 2023, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The following biographical information for the three bishops-elect were drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Bishop-elect Keith J. Chylinski

Father Chylinski was born July 23, 1971, in Schenectady, New York. He received a bachelor’s degree in music from Temple University in Philadelphia in 2000. He received master’s degrees from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and earned a master’s degree from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia (now Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virgina) in 2014. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 2007.

Bishop-elect Chylinski’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar at Saint Anselm parish in Philadelphia (2007-2011) and Mary, Mother of the Redeemer parish in North Wales (2011-2012); student priest at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia (2012-2014); weekend ministry at Saint Joseph parish in Downingtown (2014-2017); member of the seminary’s faculty and the director of counseling services at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (2014-2022). Other assignments include serving as a member of the archdiocesan council of priests (2009-2011), spiritual director of the Padre Pio Prayer Group in Collegeville (2018-2021), and as a member of the archdiocesan commission on racial healing (2021-2023). He has been a member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association since 2013 and served as their national chaplain from 2018 to 2022. He has served as rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary since 2022.

Bishop-elect Christopher R. Cooke

Father Cooke was born November 8, 1973, in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware in 1996. He began his priestly formation at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and earned master’s degrees in 2005 and 2006. Father Cook was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 2006.

Bishop-elect Cooke’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar at Saint Eleanor parish in Collegeville (2006-2008), Saint Martin of Tours parish in Philadelphia (2008-2012); parochial administrator at Saint Francis of Assisi parish in Norristown (2012-2013); and director of the spiritual year at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (2013-2021). He has served on the archdiocesan council of priests (2009-2011; and present). Since 2021, he has served as dean of men for the theology seminary at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Bishop-elect Cooke speaks English and Spanish.

Bishop-elect Efren V. Esmilla

Father Esmilla was born June 18, 1962, in Nagcarlan, Laguna in the Philippines. He has a bachelor’s degree from San Beda College in San Miguel, Manila, Philippines (1984) and a master of divinity from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (1992). Father Esmilla was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1993.

Bishop-elect Esmilla’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar at Saint John Chrysostom parish in Wallingford (1993-2001), Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Philadelphia (2001-2003), Saint Martha parish in Philadelphia (2005-2006); pastor of Our Lady of Hope parish in Philadelphia (2006-2020); assistant director for pastoral formation (2003-2004) and director of the spirituality year (2004-2005) at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Other diocesan assignments include serving as chaplain for the Filipino diocesan apostolate (2005 to present); spiritual director of the Legion of Mary (2001 to present); and membership in the archdiocesan continuing formation committee for priests (2001-2004, and 2005-2008), council of priests (2005-2008, and 2017-2020), college of consultors (2006-2011), priest personnel board (2017-2022), and president of the presbyteral council (2021). Since 2020, he has served as pastor of Saint Martin of Tours parish in Philadelphia, while also serving since 2021 as pastor of Saint James parish in Elkins Park. Bishop-elect Esmilla speaks English, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, Latin, and Portuguese.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is comprised of 2,202 square miles in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has a total population of 4,195,425 of which 1,546,350 are Catholic.

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Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Pope gives Philadelphia three new auxiliary bishops known for humble, ‘zealous hearts’

PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is welcoming three new auxiliary bishops — all of whom, as Philadelphia priests, are already home.

The Vatican press office announced Dec. 8 that Pope Francis has appointed Father Keith J. Chylinski, Father Christopher R. Cooke and Father Efren V. Esmilla as auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia.

At a press conference with the three new auxiliary bishops-designate, Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez announced that the episcopal ordination of the three bishops-designate would take place March 7, 2024, at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

In an earlier message posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account, the archbishop said he was “overjoyed to share” news of the appointments on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

Speaking at the press conference, Archbishop Pérez told the auxiliary bishops-designate that it was “a great source of consolation … that none of you did anything to be sitting here this morning; but the church in her generosity, guided by the Spirit, chose you. So let that be a consolation and a source of strength in your heart.”

He added that upon receiving the news of the appointments from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., he felt that “everything that I hoped for was being granted. … What an incredible joy.”

With the Archdiocese of Philadelphia counting some 1.5 million Catholics and 4 million total residents over 2,200 square miles, the archbishop said having a “full complement” of auxiliary bishops was “essential for a church of our size and magnitude.”

“My ministry as archbishop actually would be impossible without the dedicated service of our current and retired auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia,” he said.

The archbishop also commended the appointees as “men of great faith, of great humility, of deep pastoral and administrative experience,” adding they “have zealous hearts.”

Bishop-designate Chylinski currently serves as rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Born in 1971 in Schenectady, New York and raised in Connecticut, he earned a bachelor’s in music from Temple University in Philadelphia and a master’s from the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia (now Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virginia).

He was ordained to the priesthood in 2007, and has served at several parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In addition, he has directed counseling services at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and has served on the archdiocese’s racial healing commission since its formation in 2021. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association and was the organization’s national chaplain from 2018 to 2022.

At the press conference, Bishop-designate Chylinski — who spoke in both English and Spanish — joked that despite his upbringing elsewhere, he was a “fully converted (Philadelphia) Eagles and Phillies fan.”

He also expressed his “shock … honor … joy … (and) surprise” at his appointment, and said he would “pray for the strength and wisdom to do my small part as an instrument of Jesus Christ’s truth, beauty, joy and healing love for every member of the church in Philadelphia, especially to those who are most in need.”

“God is real and loves you all very much,” he added. “I hope and pray that the episcopal ministry can help you reflect this love.”

Bishop-designate Cooke is currently dean of men for the theology seminary at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he began his own priestly formation and from which he earned his master’s degrees in 2005 and 2006, having completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. The 50-year-old native of Philadelphia’s Meadowbrook suburb was ordained a priest in 2006 and has served at several parishes in the archdiocese. From 2013 to 2021, he directed the spiritual year of formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is a member of the archdiocesan council of priests.

At the press conference, Bishop-designate Cooke, who spoke in both English and Spanish, said he had “been so deeply blessed to encounter the person of Jesus in the people” that he had met.

“So many parishioners have taught me what is needed to be a good spiritual father,” he said. “I look forward to journeying together in faith that with the sacraments, we might be received by our Lord one day into heaven, which is our final hope. … May we grow together on our journey as missionary disciples for Christ.”

Bishop-designate Esmilla was born in 1962 in Nagcarlan, Laguna in the Philippines, and completed his undergraduate studies at San Beda College in San Miguel, Manila. He received his master’s in divinity from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1992 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1993. Among a range of pastoral assignments throughout the Philadelphia Archdiocese, he has served as chaplain of the Filipino apostolate since 2005, and as spiritual director of the Legion of Mary since 2001. He has served on the archdiocesan council of priests, college of consultors and priest personnel board, and was president of the presbyteral council in 2021. Since 2020, he has served as pastor of two parishes. He speaks English, Spanish, Tagalog, Latin and Portuguese.

At the press conference, Bishop-designate Esmilla began his remarks by referencing both Mary’s responses to the angel Gabriel’s annunciation and later Elizabeth’s greeting in Luke’s Gospel: “Fiat. ‘Let it be done.’ … On this great solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, I find inspiration in our Blessed Mother and echo the words found in her Magnificat: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.'”

He admitted that upon learning from Cardinal Pierre of his appointment, he “felt nervous and had a little bit of fear in (his) heart.

“But deep within me, I kept saying, ‘Jesus, I trust in you,'” he said. “I have come to serve.”

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