By Matthew Gambino • Posted May 7, 2021

In a letter to all priests and deacons of the Philadelphia Archdiocese Friday afternoon, May 7, Archbishop Nelson J. Perez announced major administrative changes to the Office for Clergy and a new committee that will offer greater support for priests.

In his letter, the archbishop reflected on the priestly ordination rite, which he will celebrate next week, May 15 when he ordains Deacons Ken Cavara and Mark Tobin new priests.

When their names are called in the rite, candidates for ordination publicly proclaim they are “present.” The archbishop reflected on that word and praised the priests as they have remained present to the people they serve amidst many challenges in the church and the broader society, especially in the past year.

[hotblock]

In order to support the priests’ needs more effectively, Archbishop Perez announced several changes to the Clergy Office, all effective June 21.

Msgr. Daniel Sullivan, who has served as Vicar for Clergy since 2009 “with grace and dedication … often under extremely trying circumstances,” said the archbishop, will step down from the top leadership position and serve in a new position, Vicar for Retired and Infirm Clergy.

Succeeding him as vicar for clergy is Father Michael Hennelly, who has been assistant vicar for more than a year. He has previously served in administrative roles in the office, as a pastor or parochial vicar at several archdiocesan parishes, and as a teacher and administrator.

Stepping into the position of assistant vicar is Father Brian Kean, who for seven years has served as school minister and principal of Pope John Paull II High School in Royersford.

“In addition to serving as Father Hennelly’s right hand,” said the letter, Father Kean will get the newly formed Committee for Priestly Life and Ministry up and running.

The committee’s intention is to “formulate plans for programs and resources designed to support clergy in every aspect of their priestly and personal lives,” according to the letter.

The inaugural co-chairs of the committee, who will help bring on additional committee members, are Fathers Michael Olivere and Sean English.

Both will continue their parish duties. Father Olivere is pastor of St. Timothy in Philadelphia, and Father English is pastor of St. Stanislaus, Lansdale.

The administrative changes and new committee “will allow the archdiocese to provide a continuum of meaningful care for her priests from ordination through retirement,” Archbishop Perez wrote. “Please join me in expressing prayerful gratitude to our brothers who have stepped forward to serve you in the best possible fashion.”