Three named to new roles

A trio of changes has taken place in diocesan leadership. This week, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard appointed:

* Rev. Michael Farano as vicar general of the Albany Diocese and Moderator of the Curia;

* Elizabeth Simcoe as chancellor for pastoral services; and

* John Manning as director of the Office of Pastoral Planning.

The appointments are effective July 1.

FATHER FARANO

Father Farano is also pastor of St. Pius X parish in Loudonville and diocesan director for the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which works with the Church in mission territories. He had previously served as secretary to Bishop Edwin Broderick, Bishop Hubbard's predecessor; and as vice chancellor and chancellor for the Diocese. He has also been chair of the Albany International Airport Authority.

As vicar general, Father Farano will replace Rev. Leo O'Brien, who is retiring after 29 years in that position and 34 years as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul parish in Albany.

Vicar general is the second ranking official in the Diocese. A vicar general represents the Bishop "in those matters he assigns to me," said Father Farano, while the Moderator of the Curia similarly represents the Bishop "in the overall coordination of the work of the diocesan departments."

The position of Moderator of the Curia was established in 1983 under canon (Church) law, which describes a moderator as "coordinator of administrative affairs." Father Farano will be the first priest of the Albany Diocese assigned to the role. He will remain pastor at St. Pius, as well.

"I'm happy to accept the offices of vicar general and Moderator of the Curia from the Bishop, and I will do the best I can to fulfill these two responsibilities. I appreciate the confidence the Bishop has placed in me. I also am happy that I am continuing as pastor of St. Pius X parish," he stated.

ELIZABETH SIMCOE

Ms. Simcoe is the first laywoman to be appointed chancellor in the Diocese. She is currently director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship, and will also continue in that role, working on diocesan liturgies and other events. Ms. Simcoe's background also includes parish and campus ministry.

She told The Evangelist that Bishop Hubbard's choice of a layperson for a leadership position "puts flesh and bones on the perspective our Bishop has offered in calling forth the gifts of the laity."

As chancellor for pastoral services, Ms. Simcoe replaces Sister Kathleen Turley, RSM, who has been elected to the leadership team of the Northeast Community of the Sisters of Mercy. However, Sister Kathleen had also been responsible for pastoral planning, and those duties will be taken on by Mr. Manning.

Ms. Simcoe described her new role as administrative, responding to "issues that arise in the Diocese." For example, she said, when a parish faced a crisis, Sister Kathleen was the "face of the Diocese" in meeting with parishioners to hear their concerns. Ms. Simcoe expects her duties to be similar.

She also noted that she will oversee some diocesan departments, assist with planning budgets and implementing the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," and participate in the placement process for parish life directors to lead parishes.

"I'm humbled and honored that the Bishop would think to ask me to fulfill this really important position," Ms. Simcoe told The Evangelist. "I really enjoy being out with the people of the Diocese; this is a great opportunity."

JOHN MANNING

Mr. Manning has been an associate in the Pastoral Planning Office for three years, working under Sister Kathleen. Previously, he had been director of the diocesan Stewardship Office; he has also been a school principal and associate superintendent of schools.

He said that his new role will continue the work of planning for the future of parishes in the Diocese, which "requires a lot of collaboration" among diocesan leadership and parishes.

"I've been doing this the last three years, so I know the challenges that are ahead -- but there's tremendous opportunity for the Church," he stated.

Mr. Manning hopes to meet with parishes to discuss pastoral planning through the year 2015.

"Adapting to the changes: That's what we're all called to do," he noted. He wants to help parishes in "choosing that preferred future, rather than just letting it happen, and continuing the mission of Jesus in our day and time. I'm optimistic about the future of the Church. This is a great opportunity to assist parishes in the Diocese."

(5/25/06) [[In-content Ad]]