PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL

SECRETARY APPOINTED

            Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has announced the appointment of Msgr. Peter V. Kain to succeed the late Msgr. John J. Antoncic as the executive secretary of the diocesan Presbyteral Council.

            Msgr. Kain, who continues as the pastor of St. Ephrem’s Church, Dyker Heights, will serve a two-year term, effective Jan. 1.

According to canon law, the council is a consultative body of priests who serve like a senate of the bishop, aiding him in the governance of the diocese according to the norm of law. They are either elected by their peers or appointed by the bishop. The Brooklyn council has 26 members.

As the executive secretary, Msgr. Kain will coordinate the council’s meetings and the activities of its committees. As an ex-officio member, Bishop DiMarzio presides at the sessions.

Long associated with the work of priests’ associations, Msgr. Kain served on the former diocesan Priests’ Senate for more than 20 years, including three years as vice-president. He also has served as a diocesan representative to regional and national bodies: the Priests’ Council of New York and the National Federation of Priests’ Councils.

Msgr. Antoncic, who died May 1, was a prominent member of the Priests’ Senate and then the Presbyteral Council for several decades. At his death, he was the pastor of St. Mel’s Church, Flushing.