Bishop Joseph Galante has named Father Thomas R. Kiely director of Vocations for the diocese. Father Kiely also has been named Moderator of the Newman Center at Rowan University. The appointment is effective Feb. 16.
As vocations director, Father Kiely, who will be in residence at St. Stephen, Pennsauken, will be responsible for overseeing the diocese’s efforts to promote vocations to priesthood and religious life and to assist those who are applying to seminary or who are in the process of discerning a possible call to priesthood or religious life.
Father Kiely, 43, was administrator of Assumption Parish, Atco since last year. Previously, he served as parochial vicar of St. Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights from 2005-08 and parochial vicar of St. Lawrence, Lindenwold, from 2003-05.
Born in Meadowbrook, Pa, he attended the University of San Diego, Stoney Brook University in New York, St. Francis Seminary, San Diego, Calif., and St. Charles Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa. He was ordained on May 24, 2003 by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio at St. Agnes, Blackwood.
In addition to his parish assignments, Father Kiely has served as a member of the Marian Commission and Priest Personnel Board