Bishop Galante announces pastor assignments

Bishop Joseph A. Galante announces the following appointments:

— Father Joseph Ganiel, from pastor, St. James, Ventnor, and administrator, Epiphany, Longport to pastor, St. Thomas, Brigantine, for a six-year term effective Jan. 11, 2010;

— Msgr. Peter M. Joyce from teacher, St. Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, to In-Residence and pastor, Epiphany, Longport, and pastor, St. James, Ventnor, effective Jan. 1, 2010. Msgr. Joyce is also appointed vice chancellor, and will continue as a Diocesan Judge (Tribunal);

— Father Daniel M. Rocco, from pastor, St. Jude, Blackwood, to pastor, St. Stephen, Pennsauken, for a six-year term effective Jan. 11, 2010.

Father Ganiel, 52, was ordained on May 27, 1983, after completing his studies at Mount St. Mary’s, Emmitsburg, Md.

His first assignment was at St. Lawrence, Lindenwold, as parochial vicar, where he served from 1983-87.

He had been pastor at St. James since 2004, and administrator at Epiphany since last January. He previously served as pastor at St. Mary, Salem from 2001-04.

He also served as parochial vicar of St. John of God, North Cape May, 1987-90; Queen of the Apostles, 1990-94; St. Mary, Salem, 1994-2000; and Holy Name of Jesus, Mullica Hill, 2000-01.

Father Ganiel also has served as a member of the Presbyteral Council and as Crossroads Retreat Program coordinator, Youth Ministry, and Salem County coordinator, Youth Ministry.

Msgr. Joyce, 45, was ordained on May 16, 1992.

He holds a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical University, Rome, and has served the Diocese of Camden as vice chancellor, diocesan judge, adjutant judicial vicar, chancellor and vicar for canonical affairs.

He has been pastor of Incarnation Parish, Mantua, 2006-09; administrator of Holy Spirit, Atlantic City; and parochial vicar of St. Luke, Stratford, 1992-97, and St. Mary, Williamstown, 1997-99; and part time parochial vicar at Christ the King, Haddonfield, 2001-02.

He also served as director of Recruitment of Priestly and Religious Vocations, and a member of the College of Consultors.

Father Rocco, 61, studied at the State University of New York, Binghamton, N.Y., and Maryknoll School of Theology, Maryknoll, N.Y. He was ordained on May 26, 1990.

His previous appointments include parochial vicar at St. Vincent Pallotti Parish, Haddon Township, 1990-96; Christ the King, Haddonfield, 1996-2001, and St. Agnes, Blackwood, 2001-02.

He had been pastor at St. Jude since 2002.