March 14, 2008

Barbara W. Murphy, the Diocese of Allentown's Secretary for Catholic Human Services and Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown since 1999 has announced her retirement, effective July 1. Mrs. Murphy, 74, was the first Secretary for Catholic Human Services and first layperson to lead Catholic Charities.

As Secretary for Catholic Human Services, Mrs. Murphy oversees and coordinates responsibilities for all institutions, agencies and program activities in the Diocese that provide human services. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown is a multi-purpose social service agency that provides assistance to families, children and adults.

During her tenure, Mrs. Murphy guided a five-year process that resulted in professional accreditation for Catholic Charities in 2005. At the time Mrs. Murphy said, "Accreditation certifies that the wonderful work done everyday by Catholic Charities employees throughout the Diocese of Allentown is indeed equal to the highest standards of professional performance." It was also in 2005 that the agency she headed came to be known as Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown. It was previously called the Catholic Social Agency.

Before coming to the Diocese of Allentown, Mrs. Murphy spent 26 years with Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the last three years as Deputy Director. She first came to the Diocese of Allentown in 1998 as interim Executive Director of the then-Catholic Social Agency before being appointed Secretary in 1999.

The Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown said, "The leadership Barbara Murphy has provided Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown has been outstanding. During her tenure as Executive Director, the professional status of Catholic Charities was raised to the highest level while its services were given with a deep sense of compassionate caring. Her presence among us has generated a spirit of hope and a call to renew commitment. The entire Diocesan community has been enriched by her professional skills and faith-filled leadership."

To succeed Mrs. Murphy as Secretary and Executive Director, Bishop Cullen has appointed Helen P. Kelleher, Assistant Director, Professional Services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown since 2001. Kelleher, 62, of Lansdale came to the Diocese of Allentown after 32 years with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She held a variety of positions with Catholic Social Services from 1968-1996 and from 1996-2000 was the director of the archdiocese's Respect Life Office. She graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, VT with a BA in Sociology. She earned a Master's in Social Work from Temple University.

The Bishop looks forward to working with Kelleher. "Helen Kelleher, who is well-known to the employees of Catholic Charities and whom I enthusiastically endorse, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her position as Executive Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Allentown. I look forward to her collaboration and professional skills in building upon the long and distinguished tradition of the Catholic Charities of our Diocese. Having Helen in this leadership role ensures Catholic Charities continued growth in serving the needy of our community."

Kelleher will also succeed Barbara Murphy as the Diocese of Allentown's Victim Assistance Coordinator, a job Murphy's held since the position was created in 2003.

Copyright 2003 The Catholic Diocese of Allentown
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