Robyn Fieser | Catholic Relief Services
Most Reverend Patrick M. Neary, Bishop of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, has been named chairman of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) board of directors by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, the newly elected President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Bishop Neary will succeed Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has served as CRS board chair since November 2022.
“It is a profound honor to serve as chairman of the Catholic Relief Services board,” said Bishop Neary. “My years in Africa and in parish ministry have shown me the face of Christ in the poor and the vulnerable, and I carry those encounters with me into this role. CRS embodies the Church’s mission of compassion and accompaniment, and I hope to lead with a heart of mercy, listening and working alongside our partners to uphold the dignity of every person. Together, we will continue to bring the light of Christ to communities around the world, especially those most in need.”
Bishop Neary’s term will begin immediately and run through November 2028.
“We are delighted for Bishop Neary to join as CRS chairman of the board of directors,” said Sean Callahan, president and CEO of CRS. “We are certain that he will bring strong leadership and help CRS continue our mission of lifesaving work and advocacy for our sisters and brothers around the world.”
Bishop Neary was ordained a priest at the University of Notre Dame in 1991, where he served for many years, including a term as rector of Moreau Seminary. When he finished his term as rector, Bishop Neary was called to service in Africa, where he worked in Kenya and Uganda. After eight years in Africa, he returned to the United States and served as pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Portland, Oregon. In December 2022, Pope Francis named him Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud. He was formally installed in February 2023.
Bishop Neary and Callahan also expressed their gratitude to Archbishop Pérez for his leadership over the last three years.
“During his tenure as chairman, Archbishop Pérez lifted CRS’ mission to uphold the human dignity of every person to new heights,” Callahan said. “His devotion to our sisters and brothers around the world is exemplary. His recent travels with Youth Leaders to CRS Ghana showed how devoted he is to lifting up the voices of the poor.”
“I am deeply grateful to Archbishop Pérez for his faithful leadership and the vision he brought to CRS,” Bishop Neary added. “His commitment to advocating for the dignity of the poor and amplifying the voices of the vulnerable has strengthened CRS’ mission in meaningful ways. As I step into this role, I hope to build upon his great work.”
In addition to the appointment of a new board chair, CRS welcomes four Episcopal board members elected during the annual meeting in Baltimore earlier this month. Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarno of the Diocese of San Diego, Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop William E. Koenig of the Diocese of Wilmington and Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis were all elected to serve a first term. Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmeyer of the Archdiocese of Atlanta was elected to serve a second term on the board. In addition, Ms. Diana Gonzalez will begin her term as the new non-Episcopal director on January 1, 2026.
“I have always been impressed with the incredible witness of CRS and all those who carry out the Church’s mission in service to the poor and vulnerable,” said Archbishop Thompson. “It’s a great honor to serve on the Board and, as both Pope Francis and Pope Leo have exhorted us, to listen and learn from the poor and those we serve.”
CRS is also thankful to Ms. Ann Thivierge, Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Bishop Mark J. Seitz, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and Bishop Luis R. Zarama for their years of service.
“Without the support from Ann and Bishops Cisneros, Seitz, Taylor and Zarama, CRS would not have been as effective over their years of service,” Callahan said. “Our board members are vital to our mission, and we are thankful that, year-after-year, we continue to have the best of the best.”