Office of Family and Youth Ministries announced

José Rodriguez has been named director of the newly created Office of Family and Youth Ministries.

Rodriguez, who had been director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, will continue in that ministry, with a focus on youth being evangelized through families.

In announcing the decision to consolidate the diocesan Offices of Family Life and Youth and Young Adults, Father Robert Hughes, vicar general and moderator of the curia, said,  “The re-designed office places a greater emphasis on, and support to, the family in all of its many unique configurations.”

“José is a natural fit for this position,” he continued. “With his years of experience at both the parish and diocesan levels, he is well-positioned to provide sound service and advice to pastors and ministry leaders.”

Rodriguez called his new role a “true blessing” and thanked Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Father Hughes and diocesan administration.

“In this new role, I hope to be able to equip our pastors and parishes with resources to help our families grow in their relationship with each other and the parish community,” he said. “I would like our pastors and parishioners to know that I am here to help. I am here to walk with and pray with you,” he said.”

Donna Ottaviano-Britt, diocesan head of the secretariat for pastoral outreach, said consolidating the two offices is a testament to the Diocese’s commitment to pastoral care of families, which is critical and foundational to the Church.

“We know the transfer of the faith to young people primarily takes place in the context of the family, while supported by other ministries. The most important place for us to focus efforts then is in fully supporting families,” she said.

Rodriguez holds certifications in both youth ministry and the doctrine of the faith, and is the founder of the Catholic Millennial Ministry, which walks with young adults and their families. He is a board member of Paul VI High School, Haddonfield; an active volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Vineland, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Vineland Council 2531. He is set to be married in February 2022.

“José is a great fit for leading this newly designed office, first and foremost because he has a personal relationship with Jesus and he knows the importance of this in ministry work,” Ottaviano-Britt said. “His experience of working in the youth and young adult area – from both a parish standpoint as well as his work at the diocesan level – provide him a unique vantage point. He knows what they seek, what they long for and how much of it is linked to their family life.  

“Those across the Diocese can expect him to bring a renewed sense of mission through resources, sharing of best practices, as well as events for families,” she said.