This past year, we have been taking various steps to ensure the most efficient and effective operation of the Archdiocese’s administrative offices at the Catholic Center. These have included an operational review of our central offices. More such studies are planned in order to better serve the people of the Archdiocese.
The transfer of Bishop W. Francis Malooly to Wilmington has left us in critical need of central administration oversight. To that end, I am pleased to announce that Monsignor Richard Woy, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church, Severna Park, has accepted the position of Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese. In this capacity, Monsignor Woy will work closely with Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, Bishop Denis Madden and me in overseeing our day-to-day Catholic Center operations. In addition, his special emphasis will be his support of our Vicar Bishops in serving our parishes, schools, and other institutions throughout our two vicariates. Msgr. Robert J. Jaskot has been appointed Temporary Administrator of St. John, effective December 1, and will continue serving as Director of the Office for Worship.
Efforts were made to hire a lay person for the position of Chief Operating Officer. This would have avoided the taking of a priest out of parish ministry. I ultimately decided that Monsignor Woy’s unique talents and experience as pastor and as a former member of our Archdiocesan staff were valuable attributes that will enable us to address critical and immediate needs that demand immediate attention. His coming will have the added benefit of our moving forward in warmly welcoming our new Chancellor, Dr. Diane Barr, who begins her duties here on Thursday, November 6.
Monsignor Woy’s first day in office will be Monday, November 3.
Pastor of St. John since January 2005, Monsignor Woy previously served in various capacities at the Catholic Center over a 13-year period, holding the following positions: Chancellor, Director of the Office of Child & Youth Protection, Executive Director of Management Services, and Director of Clergy Personnel.
Earlier this year, Archbishop O’Brien appointed Monsignor Woy as Chair of the Cathedral Foundation’s Board of Directors. He also serves on the Presbyteral Council, the College of Consultors, the Board of Financial Administration, and as the Archbishop’s Delegate for the Independent Review Board.
In 1999, Pope John Paul II conferred on Father Woy the title of Monsignor, appointing him a Prelate of Honor. Monsignor Woy will celebrate 30 years of priestly ordination in November 2009.