February 19, 2008

The Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown has announced that Pope Benedict XVI has conferred Papal Honors on eighteen priests of the Diocese of Allentown.

Four Monsignors, formerly Chaplains to His Holiness, have been named Prelates of Honor to His Holiness, the second highest rank of clerics with the title Reverend Monsignor.

Fourteen priests have been named Chaplains to His Holiness with the title of Reverend Monsignor.

Prelates of Honor to His Holiness

Monsignor William F. Baver, 52, is a native of Allentown. He was ordained in 1981, was named a Chaplain to His Holiness in 1993, is Director of Diocesan Cemeteries, and since 2005 has been pastor of SS. Simon Jude Church, Bethlehem.

Monsignor Edward J. Coyle, 53, is a native of Girardville. He was ordained in 1980, named a Chaplain to His Holiness in 1993, and has been pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Bally since 1997.

Monsignor Nevin J. Klinger, 53, is a native of Bethlehem. He was ordained in 1982, named a Chaplain to His Holiness in 1990, and has been Vice Rector of the School of Theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio since 2006.

Monsignor John B. McCann, 48, is a native of Nesquehoning. He was ordained in 1985, named a Chaplain to His Holiness in 1995, and has been pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Douglassville since 2006

Chaplains to His Holiness

Monsignor Thomas D. Baddick, 52, was born in Tamaqua. He was ordained in 1981, has been pastor of Notre Dame Church, Bethlehem since 2007. He is also a member of the Diocese's College of Consultors.

Monsignor William T. Baker, 51, was born in New York City and raised in Coopersburg. He was ordained in 1982, and has been pastor of St. Lawrence Church, Catasauqua since 2000 and St. Andrew Church, Catasauqua since 2002. He is a member of the Council of Priests.

Monsignor Lawrence J. Bukaty, 57, was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He was ordained in 1976 and has been pastor of St. Ann, St. Michael and SS. Peter and Paul Churches in Lansford since 2007.

Monsignor Thomas A. Derzack, 58, is a native of Coaldale. He was ordained in 1976, has been pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Whitehall since 2007. He is a member of the Diocese's College of Consultors.

Monsignor Edward R. Domin, 46, was born in Coaldale and raised in Bethlehem. He was ordained in 1988 and has been pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Allentown since 2006.

Monsignor Victor F. Finelli, 44, is a native of Easton. He was ordained in 1989, is a Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal and Coordinator of the Episcopal Masters of Ceremonies. He is a member of the Council of Priests and is in residence at St. Paul Church, Allentown.

Monsignor Bernard A. Flanagan, 51, is a native of Allentown. He was ordained in 1982 and has been pastor of Annunciation, St. George, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Churches in Shenandoah and St. Mary Magdalen Church, Lost Creek since 2006.

Monsignor William F. Glosser, 49, is a native of Pottsville. He was ordained in 1984 and has been pastor of St. Canicus and St. Fidelis Churches, Mahanoy City since 1999 and St. Casimir Church, Mahanoy City since 2007.

Monsignor David L. James, 41, is a native of St. Clair. He was ordained in 1996. He was General Secretary of the Second Synod of the Diocese of Allentown, since 2006 has been Vicar for Synod Implementation and since 2007 has been Promoter of Justice at the Diocesan Tribunal. He is a member of the Diocese's College of Consultors and is in residence at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Allentown.

Monsignor Thomas P. Koons, 45, is a native of Bethlehem. He was ordained in 1997 and is a judge of the Diocesan Tribunal and since 2003 Vicar for Religious. He is in residence at St. Thomas More Church, Allentown.

Monsignor John S. Mraz, 58, is a native of Bethlehem. He was ordained in 1975 and has been pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Northampton since 2002 and Director of the Diocesan Office of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue since 2005.

Monsignor Francis A. Nave, 42, is a native of Hamburg. He was ordained in 1992. He is Director of the Diocesan Office of Vocations and has been pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Bath since 2007.

Monsignor Thomas J. Orsulak, 45, was born in Lehighton and raised in Lansford. He was ordained in 1990. He has been pastor of St. Peter Church, Reading since 2005.

Monsignor Vincent P. York, 65, is a native of Lansford. He was ordained in 1968 and has been pastor of St. Elizabeth Church, Pen Argyl and St. Roch Church, West Bangor since 2006.

Bishop Cullen, who will preside over ceremonies recognizing the conferral of the Papal Honors on the eighteen monsignors at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena in Allentown on Sunday, April 6 at 4 PM, said, "I, along with all the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown, find great joy in the recognition of our priests who have been honored by Pope Benedict XVI. These eighteen dedicated priests have generously served the Diocese in various ministries over many years.

In honoring these priests, Our Holy Father honors the entire Presbyterate of the Diocese for the quality of their pastoral service to those entrusted to their spiritual care. This Papal recognition also strengthens the relationship between the Diocese of Allentown and the Vicar of Christ in the person of Pope Benedict XVI. I take this occasion to ask all of the faithful to express our gratitude to him by praying for our Holy Father, especially during this Lenten Season."

Copyright 2003 The Catholic Diocese of Allentown
Disclaimer and Terms of Use