Archbishop Pérez Announces New Deanery Structure and Deans for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

A few weeks ago, I wrote with a detailed update about the pastoral and administrative responsibilities being taken on by our auxiliary bishops. At that time, I noted that each would be entrusted with the pastoral care of one of four Episcopal Regions and oversee the work of the Deans in their assigned region.

Our local Church embraced a deanery structure in the fall of 2011. In response to demographic changes over the past thirteen years there has been a need to adjust the boundaries of the deaneries so that pastoral ministry may be carried out in the most effective way possible to serve the faithful of the Church of Philadelphia.

Following much consultation, planning, and prayer, I issued a decree revising the constitution of our deaneries. An outline of the new structure and the names of the priests appointed deans is below. Attached to this letter you will find a document with additional detail.

Episcopal Region I (Delaware and Chester Counties)

Bishop John J. McIntyre is entrusted with the pastoral care of Episcopal Region I. This region covers 950 square miles. It is composed of four deaneries and 66 parishes.

  • Delaware County East Deanery: Reverend John P. Masson, Dean and Pastor of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Parish, Drexel Hill
  • Delaware County West Deanery: Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Matz, Dean and Pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish, Bryn Mawr
  • Chester County West Deanery: Reverend Christopher B. Rogers, Dean and Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, Kennett Square
  • Chester County North Deanery: Reverend Stephen F. Leva, Dean and Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Downingtown

Episcopal Region II (Montgomery County)

Bishop Keith J. Chylinski is entrusted with the pastoral care of Episcopal Region II. This region covers 487 square miles. It is composed of three deaneries and 46 parishes.

  • Montgomery County West Deanery: Reverend Joseph T. Shenosky, Dean and Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales
  • Montgomery County Central Deanery: Reverend Monsignor Charles L. Sangermano, Dean and Pastor of Holy Saviour Parish, Norristown
  • Montgomery County East Deanery: Reverend Monsignor Brian P. Hennessy, Dean and Pastor of Saint Alphonsus Parish, Maple Glen

Episcopal Region III (Bucks County)

Bishop Christopher R. Cooke is entrusted with the pastoral care of Episcopal Region III. This region covers 622 square miles. It is composed of two deaneries and 30 parishes.

  • Bucks County Southeast Deanery: Reverend Monsignor Joseph G. Prior, Dean and Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel
  • Bucks County Central and North Deanery: Reverend Monsignor John C. Marine, Dean and Pastor of Saint Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland

Episcopal Region IV (City of Philadelphia)

Bishop Efren V. Esmilla is entrusted with the pastoral care of Episcopal Region IV. This region covers 143 square miles. It is composed of five deaneries and 72 parishes.

  • Philadelphia South and East Deanery: Reverend Joseph J. Kelly, Dean and Pastor of Saint Monica Parish
  • Philadelphia West and Central Deanery: Reverend Monsignor Federico A. Britto, Dean and Pastor of Saint Cyprian Parish
  • Philadelphia Northwest Deanery: Reverend Charles Zlock, Dean and Pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish
  • Philadelphia Near Northeast Deanery: Reverend Thomas M. Higgins, Dean and Pastor of Holy Innocents Parish
  • Philadelphia Far Northeast Deanery: Reverend Patrick J. Welsh, Dean and Pastor of Saint Matthew Parish

Deanery for Parishes within the Hispanic Ministry Apostolate

Together with Bishop Edward M. Deliman, Bishop Cooke shares pastoral responsibility for the Spanish-speaking Catholic community in our local Church. Apostolates providing pastoral care and the Sacraments for Spanish-speaking Catholics are based in 37 parishes across the five-county region. One deanery has been created to encompass all of them. Reverend Francesco M. D’Amico, Pastor of Saint William Parish will serve as the dean.

Please join me in prayerful gratitude for the vital service of our auxiliary bishops and for those priests who will serve as deans.

May God bless you abundantly!

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia