Profile
Lauren Joyce Brings ‘Startup Energy’ to Missionary Hub in Phoenixville
The Chester County native leads the Missionary Hub at St. Ann Parish, where she sees the good work the Holy Spirit is accomplishing. She loves to build bold new ventures, evangelize those seeking connection, and build the flame of a relationship with Jesus.
Setting the World on Fire for Christ, at least in NE Philly, is Jeffrey Shields’ Goal
The Missionary Hub director at St. Matthew Parish in the city’s Mayfair section brings a creative missionary spirit and a lifetime of evangelization and ministry experience to his new role.
For 41 Years, Catholic Charities’ Fran Swiacki Has Seen ‘God’s Face’
The Port Richmond native prepares for retirement after a long career serving at-risk adolescents and individuals with disabilities. The work has reinforced the values instilled by his parents and strengthened his Catholic faith.
Missionary Hub Director Aims to ‘Burst Open the Doors’ to Welcome People Back to Church
Michael Hajdak leads the Missionary Hub at St. Alphonsus Parish in Maple Glen, where he hopes evangelization by today’s active parishioners joyfully sharing their faith will attract those who are distant from their home in the Church.
Catholic Charities Appoints its First-Ever Chief HR Officer as Part of Efforts to Strengthen and Unify Programs in the Service of Mission
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia has appointed its first Chief Human Resources Officer as part of a broader effort to unify more than 40 programs and strengthen support for its 1,600 employees.
Missionary Hub Director Brings His Faith Journey Home to Chester
Joshua Bean was raised in the Delaware County as a devout Protestant. Since his January 2025 entry into the Catholic Church, he views his new role of missionary leadership with his neighbors as “orchestrated” by God.
From Rice Pudding to Renewal, Corona Finds Calling to Missionary Discipleship
Rooted in years of ministry, personal conversion, and a passion for evangelization, Nina Marie Corona steps into her new Missionary HUB role ready to meet people in their need and guide them back to God.
Deacon Mark Nowakowski Leads Phoenixville Parish, Making a ‘Welcoming Place’
As Parish Life Director of St. Mary the Assumption Parish, his administrative abilities will allow the priest to administer the sacraments offer pastoral care more fully. As a deacon, he is “focused on serving the people of the parish, to help them grow closer to Christ.”
Deacon Thomas Croke Looks to Renewal in ‘Fulfilling’ Role as Leader of Holy Martyrs Parish
The permanent deacon, assuming the new role of Parish Life Director in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, hopes to use his unique skill set to inspire new energy at the parish in Oreland that has faced challenges in recent years.
Parish Life Director Mark Griswold Works to Grow a Vital Catholic Presence in Delaware County
Adopting a new model of parish leadership in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, the longtime lay minister at St. Norbert Parish now leads St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lenni. It’s a role he views as “a sign from God.”