Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, has announced the appointment of a new Regional Vicar for Bucks County. Reverend James D. Beisel, currently President of Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, has been named Regional Vicar for Bucks County. Father Beisel, 45 years of age, succeeds Reverend Monsignor John V. Bartos, 72 years of age, who has served as Regional Vicar since 1989.

A Regional Vicar serves as a personal representative of Cardinal Bevilacqua for a particular vicariate, or area, and helps Cardinal Bevilacqua in his pastoral care of the parishes in that area. There are six Regional Vicars in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties as well as Philadelphia-North and Philadelphia-South.

Cardinal Bevilacqua expressed his deep appreciation to Monsignor Bartos for his dedicated service in the capacity of Regional Vicar. Cardinal Bevilacqua said, "I am grateful to Monsignor Bartos for his assistance in implementing the Renewal endeavors of the Archdiocese. Monsignor Bartos has demonstrated true concern for his brother priests and genuine pastoral care for all the faithful during his tenure as Regional Vicar and throughout his entire priesthood." Monsignor Bartos will become a Senior Priest who will carry pastoral but not administrative responsibilities. Monsignor Bartos will receive his new assignment in June.

Father Beisel, who was ordained a priest in 1980, has served as a parochial vicar, a secondary school teacher, Assistant Director of the Office for Clergy, Administrator of Regina Coeli Residence for Priests in Warminster and President of Archbishop Wood High School. Cardinal Bevilacqua said "Father Beisel's priestly qualities and pastoral experiences have prepared him to assume the responsibilities of a Regional Vicar. Father Beisel will further the mission being carried out by Monsignor Bartos in coordinating in Bucks County the Renewal programs of the Archdiocese, in particular, the implementation of the cluster and parish self study plans. As my personal representative in Bucks County, I am confident that the priests and all the faithful will recognize Father Beisel as a dedicated priest who will serve with enthusiasm, compassion and fidelity."

Monsignor Bartos said, "I am grateful to the Cardinal for his confidence and trust in allowing me to be his representative in Bucks County. When I look back to the beginning of the vicar and the vicariate system, it is refreshing to see how much progress we have made under the theme of renewal in preparation for the new millennium. I have enjoyed working with the priests and the laity of the 34 parishes in this beautiful county of Bucks. I wish Father Beisel the best of everything. My prayers are with him."

Father Beisel said, "It is with a sense of sadness that I leave the Archbishop Wood community which I have been a part of for the last eight years. But I am enthusiastic about the new opportunity with which I have been blessed. I am humbled and honored that Cardinal Bevilacqua has asked me to take on the role of Regional Vicar of Bucks County. I look forward with the grace of God to continue the ministry of Monsignor Bartos in helping to strengthen the Catholic Church in Bucks County and reach out to all people of God in this community."

An effective date for the transition has not been yet been established, but will probably occur in early summer.

Contact
Cathy Rossi
Communications Director
215-587-3747