ROCKFORD—A special Mass and luncheon were held at the Diocesan Administration Center on June 30 to say goodbye to some, give welcome to others and say thanks to all.

Msgr. Eric Barr completed his service that day as vicar general, ready to give all his time and efforts to pastoring Holy Family Parish.

Msgr. Barr has served the diocese as vicar general since 2011. (See box) Prior to that appointment, Msgr. Barr also served the diocesan curia as the Vicar for Clergy and Religious since his appointment by Bishop Thomas G. Doran on July 1, 2000.

“It’s been an honor to serve two bishops as vicar for clergy and vicar general. I was glad I could do it. But priests are really ordained for parishes and I look forward to committing all my time to Holy Family,” Msgr. Barr said.

Msgr. Barr also was Associate Publisher of The Observer.

That Tuesday was Becky Ackerman’s last day of service to diocesan administration as well. Ackerman worked at the Diocesan Tribunal from July 2001 until January 2008 when she joined the Department of Educational Services, first with the youth ministry office and then as administrative assistant to the education office.

Bishop David Malloy served as main celebrant at the Mass. He began by expressing his gratitude for diocesan employees, adding that all were mindful that it was Ackerman’s last day and Msgr. Barr’s final day as vicar general. The bishop recognized “all the time, effort and prayer that (Msgr. Barr) has put in” his service as vicar general. He also remembered one employee’s ill spouse and the death a few months ago of Jane Sartino, administrative assistant in the Ministry Formation Office for several years.

The Mass, Bishop Malloy said, “is a reminder to go beyond our desk … to remember the deepest reality of all” as employees work their ways through health situations and other challenges.

It is “good to pray after last week,” the bishop said, in reference to the Supreme Court rulings that are “likely to have unknown but significant aspects in our work here” as the protections of the role of faith “begin to tremble.”

With past challenges to the Church in mind, the bishop added that “Spiritually, we have been through this before … (and) yes, we will continue our work, first and foremost before God in prayer … I am so very grateful for your service … for all that you do.”

Other changes since last fall include a few in-house moves and the most recent name change from the Office of Stewardship Development to the Office of Charitable Giving. (More on that coming soon in The Observer.)

The administration office  has welcomed a number of new employees. They include:

�–� Ellie Addotta, administrative assistant for the Department of Educational Services;

�–�Kathy Berkes, coordinator of pastoral care for the Life and Family Evangelization Office;

�–�Nancie Brown, building receptionist;

�–�Amy Gates, administrative assistant for the Office of Charitable Giving (formerly Stewardship Development).

Six people have accepted new responsibilites in recent months after serving in other positions at the DAC:

�–�Lori Glenn is now in charge of payroll (with the retirement of Judy Cross in January this year).

�–�Brian Heinkle now is building manager.

�–�Diane Johnson is now administrative assistant for Ministry Formation.

�–�Gwen Lashock is Diocesan Property Appraiser.

�–�Elizabeth McCaslin is administrative assistant for Accounting and Data Processing.

�–�Sara Marquetti is now director of Stewardship/Development.