Reverend Monsignor Joseph W. Pokusa, J.C.D. has been appointed to the staff of the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. Monsignor Pokusa, 60, is Chancellor of the Diocese of Camden and pastor of Christ the King Church in Haddonfield. Rev. Peter Joyce, J.C.L. succeeds Msgr.
Pokusa as Chancellor of the diocese effective March 28. The assignment at the Apostolic Nunciature is effective April 18. The Apostolic Nuncio of the United States–a Vatican diplomatic representative with the rank of ambassador–is Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo. “Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo requested a priest who was an outstanding canonist and a priest who knows and proclaims the teaching of the Church.
After interviewing Monsignor Pokusa, Archbishop Montalvo informed me that “he was very pleased to appoint him to the staff at the Nunciature,” said Bishop Joseph Galante in a March 29 announcement. “Monsignor goes to Washington with my heartfelt congratulations, greatest respect and abundant thanks for his dedicated service to the Church,” he said in the announcement. Msgr.
Pokusa was ordained at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral in Camden, NJ on May 23, 1970 by Bishop George H. Guilfoyle. He has had assignments at eight parishes in the diocese, his first at Holy Savior in Westmont. In 1973 he was appointed Assistant Chancellor and Secretary to Bishop Guilfoyle and was named Chancellor of the diocese in 1978. He attended seminary at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and later pursued graduate studies in canon law also at the Catholic University of America from 1975-1978, where he received his doctorate in canon law in 1979.
He also has served on a range of boards, councils and committees, including the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Priest Personnel Board, College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council, Finance Council, Pastoral Council, New Jersey Catholic Conference Public Policy Committee, as well as boards and committees for the permanent diaconate and marriage preparation. He was appointed Papal Chamberlain in 1982 and Prelate of Honor in 1984.
Diocesan attorney Martin F. McKernan, Jr., Esq., who has worked with Msgr. Pokusa for more than 30 years, said, “Monsignor Pokusa is a man of unassailable integrity and great courage. His prayerfulness, great prudence and judgment are well known. His vast canonical and pastoral experience will bring a dimension to the Nunciature that will be invaluable.”