Hartford, Wednesday, January 12, 2005:

One year following his installation as Archbishop of Hartford, a year spent familiarizing himself with the parishes and agencies, the people and the needs of his Archdiocese; Archbishop Henry J. Mansell is pleased to announce the following significant appointments, effective January 15:

Msgr. John McCarthy is named as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and Rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.  Msgr. McCarthy has degrees in both civil and canon law, his studies completed at Yale University and the University of Chicago, and in Rome at the Gregorian University and at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.  He has served as head of the Tribunal for the Archdiocese.  Msgr. McCarthy was ordained to the priesthood 20 years ago.  As Chancellor he will serve to assist the Archbishop in the many administrative duties of the Archdiocese, and as Chancellor he serves also as the chief record-keeper for the Archdiocese.  Msgr. McCarthy willingly and humbly accepts his new duties saying, “This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a variety of activities, which have great potential for spreading the gospel message throughout the Archdiocese.  I am grateful that Archbishop Mansell has placed such confidence in me and I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities in assisting him.”

Rev. John Melnick will serve as Assistant Chancellor and Secretary to the Archbishop.  Fr. Melnick was ordained to the priesthood in 2000, and will continue to serve as Master of Ceremonies and assist at the Cathedral when possible.

For the past 11 years, Msgr. Thomas Ginty has faithfully and caringly served as Secretary to Archbishop Daniel Cronin, and then to Archbishop Mansell.  In 1997, he was named Chancellor of the Archdiocese.  His efforts have been tireless and conscientious.    Msgr. Ginty will now funnel his many talents into pastoral care of the faithful of Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Waterbury, in his new assignment as Pastor, and takes with him the sincere gratitude of Archbishop Mansell, for a job well done.

Father Lawrence Bock is named as the new Episcopal Vicar for Hartford and will serve as liaison between the Archbishop and the parishes of his vicariate; in this case, Hartford which consists of 80 parishes.  The vicar works with the clergy and lay-people, as a representative of the Archbishop.  During his 42 years of priesthood, Father Bock has served at 6 parishes located within the Hartford vicariate, and for 39 years, taught religion at Northwest Catholic High School.  Father Bock, who also serves as the pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Newington, says, “I have always enjoyed the fellowship and fraternity with the priests of the Archdiocese. If I can assist in any way, as a facilitator and liaison with the Archbishop’s Office, it would give me great satisfaction.”

Also assigned: 
Msgr. Robert Bergin, formerly Rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, as Pastor to the Parish of Saint Peter in New Britain, continuing as Director of the Deaf Apostolate.

Msgr. Charles Johnson, formerly Pastor Emeritus of St. James Parish in Manchester, as Temporary Administrator of Resurrection Parish in Wallingford.

On making these assignments, Archbishop Mansell observed, “In my new home, the Archdiocese of Hartford, I am indeed blessed to have in service so many devoted members of the clergy, and a most intelligent and giving lay population.  I look forward to our continued cooperation and enthusiasm in doing all that needs to be done to fulfill our Baptismal promise, to love God and one another, to spread the good news of Christ, to celebrate the Sacraments and to work diligently as a voice for social justice and as a conduit for prayer, for peace and for charity.”

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