It’s common for a new bishop to appoint new vicars (priests who are diocesan officers) as he settles into the diocese. Bishop Joseph Williams had an advantage because he was coadjutor bishop since last summer. Therefore, when Bp. Williams became the new bishop of Camden on March 17, he asked me to pray about being vicar general, the chief officer “who is to assist him in the governance of the whole diocese” (Code of Canon Law, canon 475 §1).
I shared a concern that my happiness is connected to my ability to make an impact. The parish priest can make a clear impact in his parish and among his parishioners, but could I make such an impact in a diocesan office? Bp. Williams answered that he wanted me to remain as pastor of Christ the King Church and serve part-time as vicar general. This arrangement allows me to make a wider impact in the diocese without sacrificing the deep impact of the parish priest.
In the last 20 years, we have had full-time vicars general. However, there is a precedent for a part-time vicar general. While in seminary, I briefly served at St. Thomas More Church in Cherry Hill, when the pastor, Msgr. David Budney, also served as vicar general.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I’ll work at the diocesan offices (often called the chancery) on Market Street in Camden, directly across from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. I’ll take off Fridays. I’ll work at the parish on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Having two part-time assignments will require some changes in the parish. First, Bp. Williams has assigned Fr. Carlo Santa Teresa as parochial vicar. Fr. Santa Teresa will himself be part-time, also serving as chaplain at Camden Catholic High School, but the hope is that one of us will always be at the parish. Second, I will only take parish appointments on Mondays and Saturdays and I’ll move regular commitments, like my Bible study, to Mondays.
Our parish has achieved a lot in the last five years: new programs for various demographics, a local mission with the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center, a 60-year high in baptisms, and reaching $1 million in the offertory for the first time in our history. I’m confident we’ll continue to achieve great things.
Father Jon Thomas, Pastor, Christ the King Church & Vicar General, Diocese of Camden