Father Kopacz,
He was the administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Nicholson when he was appointed to his first pastorate at St. Michael in Jessup
in 1989. He was later named pastor of two other churches in Jessup, St. James and St. Stanislaus Kostka, during a parish restructuring.
He was appointed pastor at Nativity of Our Lord in 1995 and served in that capacity until he was appointed as Vicar for Priests and
formation director at St. Pius X Seminary in 1998. Father was appointed as pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in
Father Kopacz
is a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors, was a member of the Evaluation Committee for the Diaconate Formation Program, and
served on the faculty at St. Pius X Seminary from 1980 to 1990. He was president of the Catholic Schools' Board of Education, an advocate
in the Diocesan Tribunal and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council.
In addition, he previously was director of campus ministry at
Vicar General
The Vicar General is the highest administrative office in the diocese and oversees all administrative matters. Church
law establishes the office, and the bishop chooses the priest who holds the office. To qualify, a priest must be at least 30 years
old and "recommended by sound doctrine, integrity, prudence, and experience in handling matters."
The Vicar General has executive
power over the whole Diocese regarding administrative matters, except those matters the Bishop has reserved for himself. The
Vicar General acts in the name of the Bishop and makes an oath to follow the mind and intention of the Bishop in all things.
