When Archbishop Thomas Wenski took the reigns of the Archdiocese of Miami on June 1st of this year, all of us expected that some changes would be made in the administration. Well, we now have another piece that has been added to the puzzle of shifts. This morning, the Diocese of Orlando released the following statement:

Sr. Elizabeth Worley, SSJ | Source: Diocese of Orlando

Archbishop Thomas Wenski announced the appointment of Sr. Elizabeth Worley, SSJ as chancellor and chief operating officer for the Archdiocese of Miami. She has served as chancellor of administration and chief operating officer for the Diocese of Orlando since February 15, 2007. Very Reverend Richard Walsh, Diocese of Orlando Administrator, accepted Sr. Elizabeth Worley’s resignation, effective September 30.

In her position with the Diocese of Orlando, Sister Elizabeth served as the bishop’s chief administrative and business officer, assisting him on strategic business development and key planning issues, as well as offering recommendations on major business decisions.

“I am grateful to Sr. Elizabeth Worley for her service to our Diocese and its people during these last three and one-half years. Many have benefitted from her guidance and steadfast efforts,” said Father Richard Walsh. “I also appreciate her continued leadership role with the Sisters of St. Joseph.”

Sister Elizabeth Worley, S.S.J. holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami and a Master of Arts in Chemistry from Villanova University. She has a Bachelor of Science with a specialty in Chemistry from Barry University. She was awarded the Papal Cross by Pope John Paul II in recognition of a lifetime of faithful service to the Catholic Church. Sister Elizabeth Worley is a Sister of St. Joseph.

The Archdiocese of Miami is home to over 1 million Catholics in Miami- Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. Mass is celebrated in 17 languages, and the Archdiocese of Miami has 105 churches and missions and 57 schools. The Archdiocese is led by Archbishop Thomas Wenski. He is assisted by two Auxiliary Bishops Felipe de Jesus Estevéz and John Noonan.

While with the Diocese of Orlando, Sr. Worley served as Chancellor for Administration. However, the diocese also had a Channcellor for Canonical Affairs. I expect that a Chancellor for Canonical Affairs will be named for the Archdiocese of Miami sometime in the near future.

Another significant appointment within the Archdiocese of Miami has been a new rector/president for St. John Vianney College Seminary. Effective August 1, 2010, Rev. Roberto Garza has taken over responsibilities as the new Rector/President of the seminary. Fr. Garza had been serving as Vocations Director for the Archdiocese until this appointment.

The outgoing rector, Monsignor Michael Carruthers, who served the seminary faithfully for 5+ years, has been appointed pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Coral Gables and director of the Catholic Student Center for the University of Miami. The appointment of Fr. Michael to the Catholic Student Center shows that Archbishop Wenski wants to increase the Catholic presence on the UM campus. I couldn’t think of anyone better for the position!

More changes are likely to come. Stay tuned!!

Sources: Diocese of Orlando, Archdiocese of Miami