STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School chaplain and teacher has been appointed as secretary to the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York.
Before his retirement, former Cardinal Timothy Dolan appointed Fr. John McCarthy as secretary to the new archbishop, Bishop Ronald Hicks, according to Fr. Michael Reilly, principal of St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School.
Serving as chaplain to the school since 2015, he previously served at St. Clare’s Church in Great Kills and St. Ann’ Church, according to The Good Newsroom, digital news outlet of the Archdiocese of New York.
McCarthy began his new role on Jan. 1.
“We are all so proud of Fr. McCarthy and all happy for him, appreciating the confidence that both Cardinal Dolan and Archbishop Designate Hicks have shown in his abilities,” said Reilly. “Cardinal Dolan chose Fr. McCarthy to be the first priest that the Archbishop will get to know and that reflects both the Cardinal’s esteem for Fr. McCarthy and his certainty that Fr. McCarthy won’t disappoint.”
McCarthy has served at the school since 2015.(Courtesy of St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School)
McCarthy taught four classes at the Huguenot high school, arranged retreats for students, arranged for confessors throughout the school year, ran the school’s confirmation program, and managed baptismal certificates for incoming freshmen. He also performed car blessings for seniors, attended student games, and inspired students to love Jesus, among other tasks, according to Reilly.
Reilly said that Fr. McCarthy will be “deeply missed” by the school community.
“His tireless dedication over the last ten years to the spiritual formation of our students—in the classroom, through the sacraments, and in the daily life of the school—has been extraordinary. Archbishop-designate Hicks is gaining an outstanding priest who will serve him with great fidelity and generosity,” said Reilly.
Fr. John McCarthy is shown here with students.(Courtesy of St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School)