Diocesan Media Office Announces Updated Guidelines for Recognizing Clergy Milestones

BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]

Effective Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following discussion and careful consideration with His Eminence Archbishop Mark, the Diocesan Media Office announces that priestly ordination anniversaries of active rectors, other priests of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, and retired clergy will be featured on the diocesan website for milestone years ending in five or zero, including the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and subsequent milestone anniversaries. Additional annual recognition may also be given to priests who have completed 50 or more years of ordained ministry.

These guidelines have been updated not only to ensure that retired clergy are appropriately honored, but also to keep the Media Office’s anniversary coverage consistent.

Other means of recognition have also been developed to honor clergy birthdays and clergy marriage anniversaries on a more personal level. However, marriage anniversaries, and other significant anniversaries may also be featured on the diocesan website when photographs and supporting information are provided to the Media Office. These postings will generally follow the milestone years outlined above.

To help the Media Office prepare meaningful and historically accurate articles honoring the faithful service of our diocesan clergy, it is asked that parishes, family members, and friends assist by submitting photographs and biographical information. Helpful materials may include photographs from the priest’s ordination and ministry, the date and location of his ordination, the name of the ordaining hierarch, parish assignments, education and experience, significant milestones, awards, and personal memories or reflections.

Materials should be submitted as far in advance of the anniversary as possible to communications@doepa.org with the subject line “Anniversary Tribute: Father [Name] - [Ordination, Marriage Anniversary, Birthday Celebration, etc].”

The Diocesan Media Office thanks the faithful for their feedback and continued support, particularly those who help preserve and share the history of our clergy and their dedicated service to Christ and His Holy Church. These tributes remain a central part of the Communications Department’s work throughout the Diocese. Under the guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Mark, the Diocesan Media Office remains committed to ensuring that our clergy receive the recognition and honor due to their faithful service.

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office