Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Named to Pontifical Council
Fr. Tom McCarthy meeting Pope Francis in 2013
Chicago, Ill. – The Midwest Province of the Augustinian Order is delighted to announce that Fr. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A., has been named to the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. Fr. McCarthy will serve as the next English-language Official of the Council, which was founded by Pope Benedict to spread the Gospel through modern and innovative forms of communication.
A native of Chicago and alum of St. Rita High School, Fr. McCarthy has served as an Augustinian priest for over 23 years, including nine years as Vocation Director for the Midwest Province, during which time he helped foster a surge in young vocations to the Order.
His dedication to leading retreats and parish missions has gained Fr. McCarthy renown both locally and across the country, as he has delivered over 200 missions in 14 states over the last 19 years. Currently, Fr. McCarthy resides on the campus of Villanova University, an Augustinian School outside of Philadelphia, where he works in the Student Life Office for First and Second Year Initiatives. The new position will require Fr. McCarthy to relocate to the Council Office in Rome.
"I believe this is a recognition of Father Tom's enthusiasm and passion for preaching the Gospel particularly as evidenced in his parish missions and his years of work at St. Rita High School and at the St. Rita Shrine in Chicago and his work in Vocation Ministry,” said Fr. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians.
“It was with great humility and shock that I received the news of my appointment,” said Fr. McCarthy, “I feel blessed that my preaching ministry over the past 19 years has opened this door for me. I believe wholeheartedly in the approach Pope Francis is taking in reaching out everyone and helping them encounter Christ.”
“I look forward to joining a team dedicated to kindling the flame of faith in individuals across the world. This will not only take place in an office, but by speaking to people directly about Christ and listening to their own journeys,” Fr. McCarthy added.
“This is not only an honor for Fr. McCarthy, The Midwest Province and The Augustinian Order,” added Fr. Scianna, “but also his family and the communities that have shaped his faith and ministry such as St. Adrian Parish in Chicago, St. Rita High School, Catholic Theological Union, and Villanova University. We all wish him well as he continues his ministry of preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ!”
For more information about the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, you can visit http://www.pcpne.va/content/pcpne/en.html. You may also contact Fr. Scianna at 773-209-5085. Click here for a longer bio of Fr. McCarthy.
About the Midwest Augustinians
We, the Augustinians of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, are members of the worldwide Order of St. Augustine in the Roman Catholic Church. Centered in the Eucharist and prayer, we search for God in community by sharing our lives, goods and spiritual journey with each other and the people of God. Since 1905 we have served across the Midwest as parish priests, chaplains, teachers, administrators, among other roles. Currently we direct seven parishes in the U.S., and since 1964 we have served as missionaries in Northern Peru.
