BishopAccountability.org
	Bishop Makes Leadership Moves The Union Leader [New Hampshire] December 15, 2004 Bishop John B. McCormack yesterday announced major changes in assignments throughout the Manchester Diocese. The reordering puts lay professionals in two top administrative posts for the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic diocese. Diane Murphy Quinlan, an attorney who joined the church leadership during the crisis over priestly misconduct, will serve as chancellor of the diocese, while Guy D. Chapdelaine, who has been serving as diocese's finance director for the past year, was named finance officer. Bishop McCormack said he was pleased to have two highly skilled professionals who are also people of strong faith serving the diocese in key positions. "In addition to their professional expertise, both Diane and Guy possess a genuine love of the Lord and the church," the bishop said. "Their appointments are another sign that the role of the laity is a vital aspect of the life and ministry of the church in New Hampshire." Their appointments became effective Monday. The Rev. Edward Arsenault, the former chancellor who has been serving as the de facto administrator of the diocese, was named moderator of the curia. As such he is similar to a chief of staff and will coordinate the administrative functions of the diocese. The position gives him responsibility for carrying out many of the bishop's administrative responsibilities, freeing the bishop to perform more pastoral work. Arsenault also retains his former responsibilities as secretary for administration and delegate for ministerial conduct. In addition, Bishop McCormack unveiled new pastoral assignments affecting several of the diocese's 117 parishes that minister to the state's 325,000 Roman Catholic faithful. The bishop also announced the establishment of two new teams of priest recruiters to work with young men of faith interested in priestly vocations. Quinlan, a New Hampshire native, became vice chancellor and associate delegate for ministerial conduct last year. She is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and holds a law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. She was in private practice with Devine, Millimet and Branch before joining the diocesan administration in 2002. As chancellor, she will be responsible for maintaining the diocesan archives and assisting Bishop McCormack with other administrative responsibilities, including coordinating legal matters. She will continue to serve as the associate delegate for ministerial conduct. Born and brought up in New Hampshire, Chapdelaine is a Holy Cross graduate and earned an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Prior to joining the diocese, he was a partner for many years with Ernst & Young. The bishop has selected the Rev. Gerald R. Belanger, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Salem, and the Rev. Robert C. Guillemette, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Pelham, to serve on one of the new priest recruiter teams in the Office of Vocations. The other team is comprised of the Rev. Paul M. Gousse, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Concord, and the Rev. Steven G. Montesanti, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Concord. All four priests will continue to serve as pastors in their respective parishes. "I am confident that the Lord is calling men to serve as priests in New Hampshire. In this age, though, we face new and different challenges to listening for God's call and taking the steps to respond to him," Bishop McCormack said. "Almost every priest will tell you that they first responded to the call because they were encouraged to do so by a priest or relative." Other appointments announced by the bishop include: Msgr. Anthony R. Frontiero, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Manchester, becomes secretary for ministry formation. He remains pastor of St. Pius. Deacon Robert R. Potvin becomes director of the permanent diaconate in addition to keeping his responsibilities as permanent deacon at St. Joseph Cathedral, Manchester. The Rev. Frederick J. (Rick) Pennett Jr., pastor of St. Anne Parish in Hampstead, on Jan. 1 will replace Msgr. Frontiero as director of priestly life and ministry. This is in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of St. Anne Parish. "As members of the church, we keep moving forward, confident that the Lord is with us as we work out his mission for the church in New Hampshire," Bishop McCormack said. "Although we are facing many challenges today, we are all also inspired by the dedicated priests, deacons, religious and lay persons who bring the joy of Christ to others. The generous spirit of the Catholic faithful and their dedication to the work of the church are the reasons why so many of our parishes, schools and institutions in New Hampshire serve people well." The Rev. Gousse, V.F., will serve as parish administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Penacook until a new priest is named to the pastorship held by Father Timothy Thibeault until his recent death. Gousse continues in his role as dean of the Capitol Deanery and pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Concord. The Rev. Richard B. Tetu will provide regular pastoral ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in addition to his responsibilities in the tribunal. Deacon Christopher R. Clarke will serve as deacon at St. Matthew Parish, Plymouth. He is concluding his ministry at St. Timothy Parish, Bristol. This appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2005. Deacon Edward P. Munz, newly ordained, is now serving as deacon at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Manchester. The Rev. Marc F. Guillemette was granted a one-year leave of absence from the ministry, effective Dec. 13, 2004. The diocese said he requested a leave for personal reasons. The bishop has granted the Rev. Marc R. Montminy requested permission to resign as co-director of vocations.
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