Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik has announced a major administrative reorganization of the Diocese that will divide it into four "vicariates". "Since the day of my installation as your 12th diocesan bishop when I challenged everyone, myself included, with the question 'Are you excited about your faith?' I have had a single-minded goal to ensure that the Church of Pittsburgh is the 'Church Alive,'" Bishop Zubik said in a statement announcing the changes.
"For me, the best expression of the Church alive as well as the means to make that happen is when we are a Servant Church," Bishop Zubik said.
ishop Zubik noted the recent appointment of Bishop Paul J. Bradley, diocesan General Secretary and Vicar General, as the new bishop of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who he called a "friend, mentor and leader."
He said that he was dividing Bishop Bradley's responsibilities as General Secretary of the diocesan central administration and Vicar General for the Diocese.
Dr. William Batz, currently Secretary for Social Concerns in the Diocese, will be the new General Secretary effective May 4. Effective June 8, Bishop Bradley's responsibilities as Vicar General will be assumed by Fr Robert F. Guay, currently pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Conway, and Fr Joseph M. Mele, Director of Formation at Saint Paul Seminary and Director of Post-ordination Formation.
Dr Arlene McGannon will continue to serve as Associate General Secretary and Chancellor.
The Diocese will also be creating a new Office for Church Relations that will represent the Church of Pittsburgh to the general public throughout our Diocese.
In announcing the creation of Regional Vicariates, Bishop Zubik said that since "my return in September of 2007 to serve as your bishop, I have sensed the movement of the Holy Spirit in so many people and in so many ways.
"There is a hunger and a vitality that is waiting to be fed and nurtured so the Church can grow and develop. In short, there is an enthusiasm for the faith that we as Church must capture and spread.
"I believe that by replacing our current deanery system with Regional Vicariates, we will take a bold step in that wonderful direction. I am pleased to announce today that we will have four regional vicariates that will replace the 16 deaneries we now have.
"These four regional vicariates will cover all six counties of the Diocese," Bishop Zubik said.
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