Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., announces the following appointments effective June 20 unless otherwise noted:
PASTORS EMERITI
Reverend Walter J. Benn, Mother of Divine Grace Parish, Philadelphia
Father Benn has been reassigned as a Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest.
Reverend John E. Calabro, Pastor Emeritus, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia
Father Calabro has been reassigned as a Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest.
Reverend Monsignor Thomas A. Murray, Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Norristown
Monsignor Murray will reside at Saint Eleanor Parish, Collegeville.
Reverend John V. Oulds, Saint Joseph Parish, Coatesville
Father Oulds will reside at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby.
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RETIREMENT
Reverend Edward P. Burke, Chaplain, Immaculate Mary Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Father Burke will reside at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby.
Reverend Augusto Concha, part-time Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia, and Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia
Father Concha will continue to reside at Saint William Parish, Philadelphia.
Reverend Edward J. Kelly, Parochial Vicar, Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Norristown
Father Kelly will reside at Regina Coeli Residence for Priests, Warminster.
Reverend Marshall J. Kloda, health leave, effective July 1, 2016
Father Kloda will continue to reside at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby.
Reverend Richard J. McAndrews, Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Isidore Parish, Quakertown, and Pastor Emeritus, Epiphany of Our Lord , Norristown
Father McAndrews will reside at Regina Coeli Residence for Priests, Warminster.
Reverend Kenneth G. Putz, health leave, effective July 1, 2016
Father Putz will continue to reside at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby.
DIOCESAN AND SEMINARY OFFICES
Reverend Sean P. Bransfield, from Dean of Formation, College Division, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, to Vice Chancellor, Assistant to the Vicar for Clergy, and part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd
Reverend George J. Szparagowski, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Blue Bell, to Dean of Formation, College Division, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, with residence at the Seminary
Reverend Thomas A. Viviano, from Parochial Vicar, Holy Innocents Parish, to Administrative Secretary, Office of the Archbishop
Reverend Joel R. Wilson, Diocese of Trenton, to Faculty of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, with residence at the Seminary, effective August 1, 2016
PASTORS
Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Anderlonis, from Pastor, Saint George Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Vicar for Consecrated Life and Pastoral Dean, Deanery #12, until June 2017
Reverend Andrew C. Brownholtz, from Pastor, Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Hatfield, to Pastor, Saint Ignatius Parish, Yardley
Reverend Angelo R. Citino, from Pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Warminster, to Pastor of the newly partnered Mother of Divine Grace Parish, Philadelphia, and Saint George Parish, Philadelphia, with residence at Nativity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Alfonso J. Concha, from Parochial Administrator, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Robert T. Feeney, from Pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Milmont Park, to Pastor, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend John D. Hand, from Pastor, Saint Francis De Sales Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Milmont Park
Reverend James A. Lyons, from Pastor, Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Drexel Hill, to Pastor, Our Lady of Charity, Brookhaven
Reverend Monsignor George A. Majoros, from Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, Swedesburg, to Pastor of the newly partnered Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton Heights, and Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Drexel Hill, while continuing as a Missionary of Mercy until November 20, 2016
Reverend Nicholas F. Martorano, O.S.A.,to Pastor of the newly merged Annunciation B.V.M. Parish (formerly Annunciation B.V.M. Parish and Saint Rita of Cascia Parish) while remaining Pastor of its partner parish, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Eder Estrada Munoz, F.S.M., to Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Coatesville
Reverend John C. Nguyen, from Administrative Secretary, Office of the Archbishop, to Pastor, Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Hatfield
Reverend Michael W. Rzonca, from Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton Heights, to Pastor, Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Joseph G. Watson, from Pastor, Saint William Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Warminster
Reverend Terence P. Weik, from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, to Pastor, Visitation B.V.M. Parish, Norristown
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PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS
Reverend Monsignor Federico A. Britto, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Philadelphia, while remaining as Pastor, Saint Cyprian Parish, Philadelphia, and Pastoral Dean, Deanery #9, until June 2017
Reverend Liam T. O’Doherty, O.S.A., to Parochial Administrator, pro-tem, Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, effective July 1, 2016
SENIOR PRIESTS
Reverend Walter J. Benn, Pastor Emeritus, Mother of Divine Grace Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Mark Parish, Bristol
Reverend John E. Calabro, Pastor Emeritus, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia
GRADUATE STUDIES
Reverend David M. Friel, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia, to full-time graduate studies in Liturgy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
EDUCATION APOSTOLATE
Reverend Marc F. Capizzi, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, West Chester, to School Minister, Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, with residence at Saint Matthew Parish, Conshohocken
Reverend Ronald W. Check, from School Minister, Saint Hubert High School, Philadelphia, to Faculty, Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, with residence at Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Havertown
Reverend Jonathan J. Dalin, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Ignatius Parish, Yardley, to School Minister, Archbishop Ryan High School, Philadelphia, with residence at Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia
NEWLY ORDAINED
Reverend Matthew K. Biedrzycki, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish, Warrington
Reverend Mark J. Cavara, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Thomas D. O’Donald, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland
Reverend Matthew P. Windle, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, West Chester
PAROCHIAL VICARS
Reverend Rene Againglo, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Saint Cyprian Parish, Philadelphia, while remaining as Chaplain to the Francophone African Catholic Community
Reverend John F. Bednarik, O.F.M. Cap., from Parochial Vicar, Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar, Queen of the Universe Parish, Levittown, with residence at Padre Pio Friary
Reverend John F. Deary, O.S.A., to Parochial Vicar, Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, effective June 1, 2016
Reverend Anthony J. DiGuglielmo, from Vice Chancellor and Assistant to the Vicar for Clergy, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Ignatius Parish, Yardley
Reverend Angelo J. Hernandez, from Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar, Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Michael J. Hughes, O.S.A., to Parochial Vicar, Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, effective June 1, 2016
Reverend Brian A. Izzo, from Pastor, Our Lady of Charity Parish, Brookhaven, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester
Reverend Steven W. Kiernan, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Ambler, to Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Southampton
Reverend Mark S. Kunigonis, from Pastor, Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia, to Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Abington
Reverend Sean A. Loomis, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland, to part-time Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, and part-time Pastoral Care, Deaf Apostolate
Reverend Michael G. Mullan, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Stanislaus Parish, Lansdale, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester
Reverend Richard J. Smith, from part-time Parochial Vicar, Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia, and part-time School Minister, Archbishop Ryan High School, to full-time Parochial Vicar, Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend John P. Stokely, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish, Warrington, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Upper Uwchlan
Reverend Mark G. Swope, from Chaplain, Holy Redeemer Health Systems, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Ambler
Reverend Peter J. Welsh, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, Coatesville, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia
CHAPLAINS
Reverend Dennis P. Boyle, from health leave, to Chaplain, Immaculate Mary Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Philadelphia, with residence at Saint Jerome Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Stephen D. Thorne, to part-time Chaplain, Neumann University, Aston, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia
RETIREMENT – PERMANENT DEACONS
Deacon Charles R. Amen, Permanent Deacon, Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Darby
Deacon Francis B. Burke, Permanent Deacon, Saint Bernadette Parish, Drexel Hill
Deacon Frederick C. Druding, Permanent Deacon, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia
Deacon Raymond F. Gwynn, Sr., Permanent Deacon, Saint Martha Parish, Philadelphia
Deacon Karl J. Hartmann, Permanent Deacon, Saint Joseph Parish, Warrington
Deacon C. Stephens Vondercrone, Permanent Deacon, Saint Stanislaus Parish, Lansdale
RESIDENCE
Reverend Laurence J. Gleason, Chaplain, Holy Redeemer Health Systems, from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Southampton, to Saint Hilary of Poitiers Parish, Rydal
Reverend John P. Melepuram, Chaplain, Nazareth Hospital, from Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Abington, to Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Dennis J. Witalec, from Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia, to Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia
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St. John Vianney was sent to Ars, where he served the faithful and then died. Why can’t we return to this model — where a priest has his parish and that is that? The dear saint apparently attempted to leave his parish and was stopped a few times. Finally he realized that it was a suitable mortification to stay in Ars. I am not saying that it would be easy for priests to stay in a parish forever, but maybe it would allow the priest to save his soul and ours nonetheless.
Reverent Ronald Check, I want to thank you for the beautiful homilies you gave at Resurrection of Our Lord Church. I am not from that parish but I ‘ve attended Sunday masses and am lucky that most of the time you were the celebrant. I am more at peace with what I am doing now as a catholic by listening to you. I am so happy for Cardinal O’Hara High School for having you. good luck and I will pray for you
St Agnes Parish in West Chester Pa. has had 5 Pastors in 10 years. We also have had 4 priest ordained from St Agnes in Last 5 years. 3 in seminaries. More in the pipeline.
We have 2 Pastors in last 5 years who are Bishops. Present NEW Pastor probably will be a Bishop inside 5 years.
St Agnes is 3rd oldest Parish in Archdiocese founded on land known as “Devil’s Alley” in 1792
Jim Fox, thank you for your comments on Fr. Andrew Brownholz. I am a parishioner at St. Ignatius of Antioch in Yardley where Fr. Brownholz will assume duties as our new pastor. Our former pastor, Msgr. Samuel Shoemaker passed away suddenly in January of this year. Our parish has been in a state of flux since that time and in need of a leader who is engaged in a very willing spiritual community but in need of leadership. We are also losing Fr. Dalin, the parochial vicar who has truly endeared himself to the parish community. Your commentary on Fr. Brownholz gives me hope that we will receive a pastor of warmth and inspiration. Your loss will be St. Ignatius’ gain. I will pray that your new pastor will continue the legacy left by Fr. Brownholz.
Father Brownholtz has been a blessing to our parish being with us when we were in need.
He is a priest who serves God and we must support him now. We love him for his
service to us and our creator and will never forget him.
Your going to leave the Church because a Pastor or an assistant has moved? I have to chuckle because maybe just maybe the Pastor is given the option to move to a new assignment or may even requested it. It may because of family, illness or just wants a change.
They are men who have their own priorities and needs as well as the needs of the Church.
Not every priest shares that they asked for the change so before you bad mouth the Bishop and Staff, you might want to consider there might be other reasons to move on.
I saw a post on Facebook yesterday calling the pastor a raciest. He isn’t and his ministry has for thee last 31 years been dealing with the Spanish Communities but for some reason the person decided that being told their civil marriage after divorce meant they could not receive communion without an annulment, which by the way is Church teaching not Pastors decision, that it was done because of their heritage. Totally ignoring Church teaching on marriage and ignoring the self-excommunication which then takes place, How long do you think a man would want to stay in that parish?
It isn’t always about you!
Although not a parishioner in the Philadehia Diocese, most dioceses have a system where the pastor is appointed for a six year term with renewal possible for another 6 years. This means a maximum of twelve years. During these terms they can be transferred. Assistants are appointed for six years as well another six so the maximimum is twelve years for both. It was mentioned that there should be voting in regard to these positions. This isn’t going to happen most times. When a situation calls for a New pastor or renewal, a consultation with Diocese takes place. However this doesn’t mean the will of the people will prevail. Another factor is when the Priest requests the transfer. This can and does occur. Because the Assignent is not a good match. We forget that All clergy are Human and while there Ministry is important their living situation is vital. We need Happy Priests
Jim Fox at SMG, Hatfield. You will NOT be disappointed in Fr. Nguyen. He is a wonderful priest
I enjoy this format. The “view from the pew” right after the article creates an enlightening dynamic. I suppose this is taking its place in “social media”? I hope the math in the anti-spam (?) quiz doesn’t get much more difficult.
I am a Parishioner of Saint Joseph’s in Coatesville. We were merged into St. Joseph’s from St Cecilia’s in Costesville when it closed. St. Joseph’s Pastor Father John Oulds (Retiring) was a man of faith and cared for our Parish community. On Mothers day we were informed that we would be a regional Parish with an “outsourced” Pastor from the order of Saint Francus De Maria of Spain. We were not being assigned an archdiocesin Pastor. This announcement was snuck in on Mothers Day. Basically St Joseph’s will be a regional Hispanic layden Parish. The Arch Diocese made promises 2 years ago when 4 Coatesville Parishes were merged into 2. Now, another shake up in the Catholic Parishes in Coatesville. My son is 9 (3rd grade) and attends the “Regional” Catholic school. I need stability in the brick & morter of the Church. I recently visited St George in Glenolden where I was an activbe menber in my youth. When I entered the building a rush of enery came over me, I was home. I want that same feeling for my son. Oursourcing our priest from an order in Spain……Would St. Elizabeth’s or another affluent Parish receive the same consideration from the Archdiocese?
Father Brownholtz has been a blessing to a parish that was in pain , and having him as long as we did helped us through that.
The church is for all not just us and nothing is forever , he serves GOD not us and we thank him , we love him and we
will not forget him for a very long time.
We need to to encourage (invite) and pray for more people to attend mass and pray for our priests and our parish’s. Let us also pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Here are some prayers for vocations; http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayers-for-vocations.cfm
Vivat Jesus!
why are they taking Father Steven Kiernan from St. Anthony of Padua in Ambler (he has only been there for less than a year) and transferring him to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Southampton? They are sending Rev. Mark Swope to replace him. Father Smits is also leaving St. Anthony’s in June.
Fr Kiernan, St Anthony of Padua, Ambler PA. We appreciate the prayerful service you have given us this past year. We will miss you! God’s blessings as you move to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Southhampton. Come back to see us!
Chris brought up the “voting for pastors” issue. While this annual ritual of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been on-going for years before my time, I trust it is better for the Bishop to appoint priests to fill in where needed as has been the tradition. Priesthood is not a popularity contest, nor is it an indicator for a pay scale of the parishioners for the appointee. Each priest comes to us with specific talents deemed worthy of the Bishops’ knowledge of the parish needs and direction on the parishioners spiritual journey. I am thankful for the talented men who have chosen to become priests and to be the beacons of hope we need in this time. I pray our predecessors will experience fulfillment in their new assignments and that our new priests will aid in shepherding us in His Way for our good and for the whole world. Mary Jane scratched the surface of these sentiments and I concur. Vivat Jesus!
While we love the continuity of priests in our parishes, all priests have “different gifts” which by moving from time to time, gives them a chance to share their gifts and for us to receive what each one has to give. Although it is hard for the congregation, let’s be considerate of how hard it must be for the one who has to pick up and move. Some moves are made by requests from the priest, some by request from the pastor or perhaps a community – not sure about the particulars. Let’s be trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this rather than think of ourselves. I agree that it can shake us to the core but the apostles themselves had to shake the dust off their feet and move where needed.
Life is filled with changes. Growth from the new experiences is optional. Choose wisely.
There isn’t a Diocese in the country that does not transfer priests from time to time. It is not fair to lash out at the Archdiocese and say you’ve lost faith. Just as our children and friends move on to other positions in life, so do our priests. We need to pray for our current and future parish priests.
Well said.
I love the church It is my MOTHER I always pray for vocations . I was helped by good priests. I got a lot of strength from the Mass and the Eucharist. I always stick up for the church. I pray for priests. It isn’t easy taking care of a parish and everything else.
As a parishioner of Saint Maria Goretti In Hatfield, I think that transferring Father Andrew Brownholtz was a terrible idea. The least the diocese could have done was to allow the parishioners an opportunity to vote on the decision. Father Brownholtz defines what it means to be a priest these days, if the Church had every parish that had a priest such as he, the pews would be filled at every Mass .When will the Church realize that the faithful, the parishioners make up the Church and their concerns should be addressed before a final decision is made? I thank you kindly. Father Brownholtz you will be missed, as you are loved by so many of the parishioners at Saint Maria Goretti.
While I agree, I think pastors should be voted for, this is not something new. Pastors get shifted from parishes in every diocese to where they are most needed. This isn’t something new.
While I’m sure you will miss Father, you are receiving an outstanding priest in Fr. Nguyen.
We all have to remember that Priests are sent where they their talents are most needed. For example: If you have a priest who is excellent at fixing and/or growing parishes, he’s not going to stay at one parish long. He will be transferred to other parishes to continue to fix & grow as many parishes as possible.
Also, sometime times priests are reassigned for “personality conflicts.” After all, parish priests live and work together. If the priests don’t get along (or if it simply isn’t an environment of healthy fellowship) priests can be reassigned for their own spiritual well being. Same thing can happen if a priest receives too many anonymous letters about his homilies, etc. The stress can get to a person and they might ask for a change.
Obviously, if a priest requests a transfer, the parish is never going to know. So we should not be bashing the Archdiocese for transfers. After all, the pastor of St. Anthony’s in Ambler has been their for approx 20 years… so if a priest wants to stay and the parish loves him, they can wind up staying.
Food for thought.
God Bless
I disagree with this. Think the top should leave the parishes alone. You wonder why that you have less and less parishioners every year. Because of acts like this. My sons went to Saint George in Port Richmond, my youngest son still attends. Follow through with this plan and I have lost all faith in the catholic church. I went to Saint Ambrose and that was closed, I went to Ascension of our Lord and that was closed. Northeast Catholic High School was another Catholic school I attended and that was closed. It seems instead of keeping the Catholic faith strong you are destroying it. Like I said I have lost faith and it is because of policies like this that will shake up these parishes involved.
Fred – I can understand why you feel that way and I have mixed emotions on this. When you have a priest who is well liked and strong in the parish, its hard to see him leave. But you know, Priests sometimes need a change of scenery; need to meet other people and work in different settings and environments. Broaden their horizons if you will. So change is not always bad. God Bless!
I am very glad that our Pastor was not sent away from us. My response to Fred Foster is that I think your faith should not be shattered because of policies by the archdiocese. Your faith is within you. God does not make policies.