Hartford Archdiocese Appoints Former Glastonbury Priest to Religious Office

The Archdiocese of Hartford has named the Rev. John Stephen Golas, a former priest at two Glastonbury churches, as its new Vicar of the Office for Religious. 

Golas will replace the Rev. James F. Kinnane, who is retiring after 10 years as vicar, but will continue his work in the Metropolitan Tribunal Office. 

As the Vicar for Religious, Golas will work with members of the Religious Communities of Men and Women who have chosen Consecrated Life. He will work with them in matters that pertain to their own Charisms, or talents, and how they are lived out in the Archdiocese of Hartford. He will assist members of Consecrated Life in preparation for canonical processes, and provide pastoral care. Coordinating the Annual Retirement Appeal Fund for religious and bringing pastoral concerns of the Archbishop to members of Consecrated Life will fall under his responsibility.

Golas will assume this position in addition to his assignment as pastor of Saint Paul Church in Glastonbury and Saint Augustine Church in South Glastonbury effective July 15.  Prior to this assignment, he was at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church in Unionville. He will work with newly appointed Executive Director Sister Mariette Moan. The two will coordinate between the Office for Religious and the Archbishop. 

Golas was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1981. Since then, he has served in various parishes including: Saint Matthew Church in Forestville; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Waterbury; and Assumption Church in Manchester. He was also the Dean of the Farmington Valley Deanery for five years.

“Fr. John Golas has served the people of the Archdiocese of Hartford with dedication and enthusiasm for over three decades. As the new Vicar of the Office for Religious, he will share his talents and commitment with those who have chosen Consecrated Life, and will continue to set an exemplary example throughout the Archdiocese,” said Archbishop Mansell.

The above information came from a press release.