Friends, colleagues reflect on Bishop Sullivan

Whenever I introduce our community of Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal and explain how and why we came to Atlantic City, the story always begins with Bishop Sullivan, “our good friend from the Bronx,” whom we knew from New York, our community’s home base. Our coming to South Jersey was his idea, his inspiration. Since his installation as Bishop, he was persistent in his request for us to come and assist him in serving the poor of the Diocese of Camden. A few years later, when he brought Mother Lucille to see the boardwalk and explained to her how people were living under there, she, too, became convinced that God wanted this also.

Since our arrival eight years ago, Bishop Sullivan has been a constant fatherly support and presence. He has such a heart for the poor, for their dignity, for the Church’s mission to be with them and among them. And he has a fatherly heart for each sister, as well. His personal concern for us, our families, our community has often touched me. Atlantic City and the Diocese of Camden have been a beautiful place to see the seed of our little CFR sisters’ charism planted and blossoming – and our hearts are filled with gratitude to Bishop Sullivan for his initial vision and loving, generous care through the years.

~ Sister Ann Kateri Hamm, CFR, Saint Michael Convent, Atlantic City

Bishop Sullivan spent many years in the parish and knows its importance to the life of a Diocese. Remember the Catholic Strong Campaign, with 70% of its proceeds staying with the parish and 30% going to the Diocese for its programs? Unprecedented that the majority remained at the parish to help with its ministerial programs and outreach. 

He is an ardent supporter of Catholic education … I also know him to be grateful to all the diocesan service organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre, Catholic Charities and Juan XXIII (to name a few), and those who work in the Chancery and the Tribunal. He gathered about 35 members of the Diocese to participate in the 2018 V Encuentro in Grapevine, Texas. Though it was too close to the Dallas Cowboys’ Stadium for my comfort, it was a wonderful celebration of Latino Ministry, so vital to the Diocese of Camden.

He has publicly apologized and asked for forgiveness for the horrific sin of sexual abuse at the hands of the clergy. You can genuinely sense his abhorrence for this grave ill on the Church. This is why he wanted all claims to be settled quickly so the victims could receive some compensation – not that it will ever satisfy the harm inflicted.

I had the privilege to be involved with him in a rather delicate pastoral situation that he handled with great grace and acceptance to someone who had been rejected, someone on the periphery for sure, who sought healing and acceptance. The individual walked away satisfied and hope-filled. … He has a great love for the people, clergy, and religious of the Diocese of Camden. He came here never having heard of Camden and quickly fell in love. I guess this excuses his being a Yankees fan. Obispo, Dios te bendiga ahora y siempre!

~ Father John Fisher, OSFS, former rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden

It has been a privilege and an honor to know Bishop Sullivan and benefit from his pastoral and friendly care over these 11 years of his leadership. From his Bronx “matter of fact” attitude to his very down-to-earth and genuine care for all people of our Diocese, Bishop Sullivan has been a strong, faith-filled shepherd tending well to the many different needs of this diverse flock.

One of the things that strikes me most is his attention to the young people of the Church, whether in our Catholic Schools, catechetical programs, vocations discernment or seminarians. … I am always struck by Bishop Sullivan’s homilies at high school graduations or at confirmations. They are very simple and to the point, encouraging our young people to know and love their Catholic faith, to practice it, and when they don’t quite make the mark, to seek the loving forgiveness of Jesus. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He tells our youth that living the faith “out loud” is going to be hard. People will mock you, so be strong and courageous in the Holy Spirit!

~ Sister Michele DeGregorio, FMIJ, principal of Saint Margaret Regional School, Woodbury Heights

I am incredibly grateful for the role Bishop Sullivan has played in my life thus far, and when I reflect on all of my memories with him as a seminarian and now as a priest, the word that comes to my mind is simply father. I will never forget Bishop Sullivan’s love and support for me when I was a senior in the college seminary in 2018. My dad was dying from leukemia, and Bishop Sullivan continually called to check up on me, visited my dad in the hospital and was present at his funeral Mass. In that incredibly vulnerable and difficult time for me as I lost my father, Bishop showed me what it means for a priest to be a spiritual father. His love and care for me in those days inspired me to seek to be a father like him in my own priestly ministry. Bishop Sullivan, on behalf of the priests of our Diocese, thank you for being our father!

~ Father Stephen Robbins, parochial vicar, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden

One of Bishop Sullivan’s greatest gifts to us during his episcopate has been his preaching. His well-prepared, flawlessly delivered and pointed homilies touch the heart and are worth returning to for reflection long after Mass has concluded. Of particular note are his homilies for Confirmation, which hold the attention of teenagers – no small feat in this age of constant distraction – and his homilies for ordinations, which beautifully capture the dignity of Holy Orders and call to action the men being ordained. Bishop Sullivan’s openness to and support for consecrated life has been particularly impactful in my life. When I wrote to him several years ago seeking guidance regarding a possible vocation to consecrated virginity, he met with me personally and charted a course to help me fully discern, and then properly prepare for, consecration in November 2023. For his paternal solicitude and for consecrating me to the Ordo Virginum, I am forever grateful.  

~ Laurie Power, consecrated virgin and pastoral associate for lifelong faith formation at Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco

What I admire most about Bishop Sullivan is his honesty, integrity and unwavering commitment to the people of the Diocese. In particular, his compassion for survivors of sexual abuse. In October 2018, the Bishop led an evening of prayer for victims of abuse and reparations for the sins of the Church. He lay prostrate on the floor for five long minutes. He then passionately and repeatedly apologized to the survivors and those hurt by the Church. It moves me to this day, as it told me all I needed to know about who he was as a priest, shepherd and person.

I am deeply grateful for Bishop’s courage in selecting me to be first woman CFO in the Diocese. We have faced many tough moments together, and I admire his straightforward, no nonsense way of communicating, which has a way of getting stronger and louder the more hangry he becomes. I have learned to always keep some Lifesavers in my pocket to share for those moments.

~ Laura Montgomery, Secretary for Administration and Finance for the Diocese of Camden

Bishop Sullivan truly reflects the Gospel in his ability to connect with everyone, embracing the dignity of each person as a child of God. His presence in the neighborhoods, spending time with families, listening to their stories and sharing in their struggles, reminds me of Jesus’ call to love our neighbor without hesitation or limit. I am deeply grateful for the blessed experience of traveling with Bishop Sullivan to Colombia in 2014. His Christ-like love and compassion were evident as he entered into the heart of the local culture, especially among the poor and marginalized.

What moves me most about Bishop Sullivan is his humility and pastoral heart. He not only advocates for immigrants, giving them a voice in the Church and society, but also takes time to personally respond to those who reach out to him, like the Latino who wrote to him. His bilingual and bicultural abilities allow him to serve with a deep understanding and connection to the diverse communities he shepherds. Bishop Sullivan is a living witness of God’s love and mercy, tirelessly serving the most vulnerable, and I am truly blessed to have witnessed his ministry.

~ Andrés Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and Secretary for Evangelization and Hispanic Ministries for the Diocese of Camden

Over the past 11 years, Bishop Sullivan has been a steadfast supporter of the Camden Center for Law and Social Justice, always ensuring that the needs of those we serve – especially immigrants – are a top priority. His dedication to the immigrant community goes beyond words; he has been personally engaged in connecting individuals to our resources and services in meaningful ways. Whether sending me a thoughtful book on immigrant issues or celebrating Masses for the immigrant community, Bishop Sullivan’s deep commitment has truly shaped our work and strengthened our resolve to advocate for the dignity and rights of all.

~ Jeffrey S. DeCristofaro Esq., executive director, Camden Center for Law and Social Justice

I grew up attending Catholic school at a time when you rarely saw your bishop. His residence was private, and visitors were few. The only time you did see him was at your Confirmation, where you prayed he would not call on you to answer a question you hadn’t quite memorized from the old Baltimore Catechism. We addressed him as “Your Excellency” as we knelt to kiss his ring. 

Over the years, bishops started to become more visible. Then, in 2013, along came Bishop Dennis Sullivan, and what a breath of fresh air he has been! He is a people person who connects with everyone – young and old, rich and poor, from all walks of life. He truly enjoys visiting schools and has a remarkable ability to put students at ease.

There’s a saying that when you love what you do, you never grow old, and Bishop Sullivan is a perfect example. … Bishop Sullivan leads like a true bishop. He is caring, compassionate, willing to make tough choices, and embodies all the qualities of a good and holy priest.

~ Alice Beckett, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Haddon Heights

I am so grateful to have spent this time with Bishop Sullivan since joining the Diocese of Camden in March 2024. He ensured I was warmly welcomed and has provided clear and compassionate support for the services we provide to the vulnerable in South Jersey. I am appreciative of the time I have spent in his company and for his kind and caring guidance. 

~ Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden

Of my many fond memories of Bishop Sullivan, one that stands out are his annual visits to Holy Spirit High School for the celebration of Mass to mark the beginning of the academic year. He always has a great message for the students in his homilies, reminding them of the great gift they are receiving with a Catholic school education. In what has become an annual tradition, right before the final blessing, a member of the senior class always cries out from his seat, “Bishop, will you give us a day off?” And every year, a “Bishop’s holiday” is granted to the faculty, staff and students at Holy Spirit High School! After Mass, he always has lunch with a group of our students. It has been a joy to stand off from a distance and watch his lively interactions and conversations with our students. I want to thank Bishop Sullivan for his support and commitment to Catholic education in our Diocese. He has made a difference and shaped the hearts and minds of our young people. 

~ Father Perry Cherubini, pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Sea Isle City

During the first two decades of my professional career, I had the privilege of working alongside many secular CEOs. However, for the past nine years, I have had the distinct honor of working for Bishop Dennis Sullivan, who, without question, stands out as my favorite CEO.

As a member of his leadership team, I have witnessed him navigate some of the most-challenging decisions – many without precedent – to provide a clear path forward. In each instance, Bishop Sullivan never rushes to a conclusion or acts on incomplete information. Instead, he actively seeks out the insights of many knowledgeable voices, thoughtfully weighing each perspective. More often than not, he forgoes the easier, simplistic path, choosing instead to navigate the perhaps more-challenging, but ultimately correct, course of action.

This decision-making process is an indicator of his unwavering commitment to the people of South Jersey. Every decision he makes is guided by a singular purpose: what will be best for the faithful, the clergy and the Church in Camden. While not everyone may agree with his decisions immediately, time and experience have consistently demonstrated the wisdom of his approach. His thoughtful, deliberate process has borne good fruit, time and time again.

Though, at his core, he will always remain a New Yorker from the Bronx, Bishop Sullivan has EVOLVED into a deeply caring and visionary South Jersey leader. His love for the people of the Diocese of Camden is reflected in every choice he makes, always with the long-term good of our community in mind.

~ Michael Walsh, Secretary for Communications for the Diocese of Camden

Bishop Sullivan has made it a priority to welcome students back to school at the beginning of each school year. He typically visits three elementary schools during the first week of school and celebrates the Mass of the Holy Spirit at each Catholic high school in late September. The reason he does so was exemplified in his own words during his visit to Bishop McHugh Regional PK-8 School in Cape May Court House at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.

The principal had prepared a prayer service, which Bishop Sullivan led for the entire student body. It included time for a homily, and during that time, Bishop Sullivan asked the students if they knew who he was and why he was there. They knew his name and title, but when they were hesitant to answer the second part of the question, he told them succinctly, “Because you’re important, and I love you.” Those words not only beautifully summarized Bishop Sullivan’s ministry and presence to Catholic schools, but also brought the message of Jesus Christ directly to each of the students in a simple yet powerful way.  

~ Dr. Bill Watson, Secretary of Catholic Education, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Camden

Having been raised in the Camden Diocese and also having attended Catholic schools here for 12 years, I was familiar with the teachings and hierarchy of the Catholic Church, particularly when it came to clergy. However, Bishop Sullivan broke that mold when I encountered him for the first time at one of my children’s Confirmations many years ago. I recall him taking the time to encounter each candidate and ask questions, seeking to learn more about and help each confirmandi understand the sacrament. I saw his genuine and caring heart as a shepherd for our Diocese.

My next encounter with Bishop Sullivan was during the Convocation of Catholic Leaders in 2019 as a diocesan employee. I recall assisting during that event and seeing Bishop Sullivan eat lunch amongst the employees. It was then that I began observing what I would come to know and admire most about Bishop Sullivan. That he not only leads his people, he also advocates for them, shares their pain, and continues to both learn from and minister to them. Most importantly, he stands with his people. Bishop Sullivan’s strength and fortitude will forever be exemplary qualities I strive to emulate.

~ Nicole Keefer, Secretary of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, Diocese of Camden

It has been a privilege to serve during Bishop Dennis Sullivan’s leadership of the Diocese of Camden. His commitment and zeal for the great commission – “Go! Make disciples of all nations” – is ever-present in both his words and actions. I joined the Diocese to lead the efforts of the 2019 Convocation of Catholic Leaders. It was a pivotal moment in which Bishop called forth the clergy and laity to be the face, hands and feet of Jesus Christ – to minister, accompany and love their brothers and sisters in every community in South Jersey. A line from the C.S. Lewis book “The Weight of Glory” calls to mind what Bishop has consistently asked of us: “The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor’s glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it.” His impact will be recognized long into the future, and I am grateful to serve, and also be part of his flock.

~ Donna Ottaviano-Britt, Secretary for Pastoral Outreach for the Diocese of Camden

As a member of the Finance Council for the Diocese, I witnessed first-hand Bishop Sullivan’s ability to make difficult decisions, particularly during the long and arduous reorganization bankruptcy process – all for the purpose of rightfully compensating those who were harmed many years ago and for the Diocese to survive and function. It was a priority of his tenure, even if it meant delaying his retirement. Amazingly, during this process, Bishop Sullivan never missed an opportunity to tend to his flock. Few knew the difficult days he endured.

Also, as a founding member of the ManUp South Jersey ministry, I can’t thank Bishop enough for allowing us to mirror an event that began in Philadelphia here in our Diocese six years ago. Now close to 500 men participate in this annual, one-day retreat. Thank you, Bishop Sullivan. Your front row seat is reserved.

~ Joe DiFilippo, member of the diocesan Finance Council