Bishop names new chancellor, pastors, parish life coordinators

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has appointed Giovanni Virgiglio, diocesan superintendent of schools, to the position of diocesan chancellor. Mr. Virgiglio will continue to serve as superintendent, as well.

“Only a person held in the highest esteem” is chosen for this position, Bishop Scharfenberger explained, noting the critical information that is entrusted to the chancellor, a position required of every Diocese by the Code of Canon (Church) Law.

The diocesan chancellor assists the Bishop by maintaining the diocesan archives, safeguarding and authenticating official documents, and drawing up written reports on the official government of the Diocese. The chancellor also serves as the official notary on all documents issued by the Bishop and disseminates information to clergy, parishes and the Catholic faithful that may be beneficial to the people of the Diocese.

“I am humbled to assume the duties of chancellor in addition to my primary role as superintendent of Catholic schools,” said Mr. Virgiglio. “As a servant-leader of our Diocese, I welcome the opportunity to expand my skill set, help preserve the ­Diocese of Albany’s storied history, and pen our next chapter in concert with my colleagues in ministry.”

Mr. Virgiglio was appointed diocesan superintendent of schools last May after serving as associate superintendent and interim superintendent over a period of two years. Before joining the Catholic Schools Office in 2015, Mr. Virgiglio served as principal of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam from 2008-15 and taught at St. Casimir’s School in Albany from 2003-08.

A graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Mr. Virgiglio has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degrees in special education and in educational leadership and administration. He holds New York State certifications in elementary and special education, as well as building and district administration.

As chancellor, Mr. Virgiglio succeeds Very Rev. Donald Rutherford, who will continue as moderator of the curia for the Diocese.

MORE ASSIGNMENTS

In addition to Mr. Virgiglio’s appointment as chancellor, Bishop Scharfenberger announced several pastoral and administrative assignments:

•  Rev. Anthony Barratt has been appointed episcopal vicar for the Hudson Valley vicariate. This is in addition to his duties as pastor of Holy Trinity parish in Hudson and its missions, Resurrection Church in Germantown and the Church of the Nativity in Linlithgo; and his position as director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship.

•  Rev. James Davis has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Valley parish in Middleburgh and administrator of Our Lady of Fatima in Delanson.

•  Rev. Joseph O’Brien has been appointed pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany and its mission, the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas in Albany. He replaces Rev. John Bradley, who is retiring.

•  Rev. Francis Vivacqua II has been appointed pastor of St. Mary’s parish in Ballston Spa and its mission, St. Mary’s in Galway. He replaces Rev. Thomas Kelly, who is retiring.

•  Rev. Matthew Wetsel has been appointed pastor of Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville, and Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown. He replaces Rev. Donald Czelusniak, who is retiring.

•  Deacon Joseph Cechnicki has been appointed parish life coordinator of Our Lady of Hope parish in Fort Plain.

•  Janine O’Leary has been appointed parish life coordinator of St. Patrick’s in Athens and St. Patrick’s in Catskill.

•  Rev. Peter Pagones, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes in Schenectady, is retiring.