The Archdiocese of New York welcomed a new official to oversee the promotion of church vocations.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan appointed Father George Sears to be the new director of vocations. Father Sears is the administrator of the Holy Name of Jesus-St. Gregory the Great parish.

Despite his new role in the Archdiocese, he will reportedly continue to serve as parish administrator.

The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday, Oct. 28. The event was held at St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie.

Archbishop Thanks New Director

In a report with Catholic New York (CNY), Cardinal Dolan expressed his gratitude to Father Sears. The Archbishop acknowledged the "radiant curriculum vitae" of the new director.

Cardinal Dolan also claimed that the new director "was a natural to take over vocations." For him, Father Sears will bring years of experience as he takes over the new responsibility.

As reported, the newly-appointed director previously worked as the rector of the Cathedral Seminary House of Formation. Father Sears also served the Douglaston, Queens-based seminary for nearly four years.

Apart from that, Father Sears was once the acting rector, vice-rector, and dean of students.

For about three years, he became the pastor of St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie. The church also tapped him to be its administrator for one year.

Father Sears then headed the churches of St. Rose of Lima and Our Lady of Esperanza. The new Archdiocesan director worked there as a parochial vicar.

Furthermore, he also led the Bronx-based Our Lady of Angels, according to the report.

'Walk With Them On Their Journey'

CNY interviewed the new director of vocations during the appointment ceremony.

Father Sears has reportedly realized how crucial his new role is to the Archdiocese of New York.

"Being the rector of a college seminary beforehand, I know how important this is," he stressed. "So it's really good to walk with them on their journey."

He reiterated that through this new duty, he could recall the best moments of his spiritual journey.

The Archdiocesan vocations director described this experience as "something beautiful."

Archdiocese Appoints Regional Vocation Promoters

As per the report, the Archdiocese also installed 15 priests to be regional vocation promoters.

They will reportedly work alongside Father Sears in promoting vocations in the Archdiocese.

Based on the report, the 15 priests will continue their existing roles in their parishes. Cardinal Dolan also thanked the new regional vocation promoters for accepting their roles.

The Archbishop said that the priests would be key actors in "promising and exciting" vocations.

Cardinal Dolan further stated that the Catholic faithful need the vocation promoters. He also revealed that the 15 priests were selected "specifically."

About Archdiocese of New York

According to its website, the Archdiocese is a large Catholic community in New York City. It reportedly serves more than 2.8 million Catholics.

The Archdiocese oversees the parishes in the boroughs of the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan.

It also serves Catholics in the counties of Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester, and Ulster.

The Archdiocese administers churches in Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties.

The Catholic community reportedly seeks to spread the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ. It also aims to cater to the needs of the community through prayer, worship, and ministry.

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