By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T staff writer

From 1997 to 2004, Bishop-elect Senior served as the Secretary for Catholic Human Services (CHS). Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS) and Catholic Social Services (CSS), the largest provider of social services in Pennsylvania, operate under CHS.##M;[read mpre]##

From 1992 to 1997, he served as Deputy Secretary of CHS and from 1996 to 1997 as executive director of CHCS.

His predecessor as Secretary for Catholic Human Services was Msgr. Joseph P. Garvin, now pastor of St. Christopher Parish in Northeast Philadelphia.

“It was my privilege to work with Father Senior, then Monsignor Senior, for a number of years,” Msgr. Garvin said. “I was always impressed with his intelligence and with his spirituality.”

Early on, Msgr. Garvin believed then-Father Senior was wise beyond his years and well suited for the magnitude of the job.

Regarding his protoge’s appointment as an auxiliary bishop: “I’m extremely happy,” Msgr. Garvin said.

“He’s a bright guy, he’s a caring guy and a deeply spiritual man. He’s a good choice. He’s going to be an outstanding bishop.”

CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine may be reached at (215) 587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.