Father Kopacz

Father Kopacz,

a native of Dunmore, attended St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton and received his bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton and his master's degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, N.Y. He also holds a master's in counseling and psychology and a doctorate in human development from Marywood University. After his ordination in 1977, Father Kopacz served as an assistant pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Brodheadsville and then the Church of the Epiphany in Sayre.

He was the administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Nicholson when he was appointed to his first pastorate at St. Michael in Jessup in 1989. He was later named pastor of two other churches in Jessup, St. James and St. Stanislaus Kostka, during a parish restructuring. He was appointed pastor at Nativity of Our Lord in 1995 and served in that capacity until he was appointed as Vicar for Priests and formation director at St. Pius X Seminary in 1998. Father was appointed as pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Scranton in July 2002 and served as both pastor and Vicar for Priests until being named Vicar General and Secretary for Priests.

Father Kopacz is a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors, was a member of the Evaluation Committee for the Diaconate Formation Program, and served on the faculty at St. Pius X Seminary from 1980 to 1990. He was president of the Catholic Schools' Board of Education, an advocate in the Diocesan Tribunal and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council.

In addition, he previously was director of campus ministry at Keystone College and a trustee of St. Michael School.

Vicar General

The Vicar General is the highest administrative office in the diocese and oversees all administrative matters. Church law establishes the office, and the bishop chooses the priest who holds the office. To qualify, a priest must be at least 30 years old and "recommended by sound doctrine, integrity, prudence, and experience in handling matters."

The Vicar General has executive power over the whole Diocese regarding administrative matters, except those matters the Bishop has reserved for himself. The Vicar General acts in the name of the Bishop and makes an oath to follow the mind and intention of the Bishop in all things.