"The Lord has blessed you and gifted you with many wonderful qualities and talents," wrote Cardinal Maida of Father Halfpenny in a letter read to the entire Sacred Heart community on January 14. "In your capacity as acting rector, your own example of prayer and fidelity to priestly spirituality will be the most important contribution that you can offer to the students and your peers on the faculty.
"I trust you are well prepared to assume the reins of authority for the next several months."
Father Halfpenny has served under Bishop Vigneron as Vice Rector since 1996. He is also Dean of Formation of the seminarian community and assistant professor of pastoral theology. Father graduated from Sacred Heart Seminary College in 1969, and holds an MA in Religious Studies from the University of Detroit, and MA in Applied Spirituality from the University of San Francisco, and a Master in Divinity from St. John Provincial Seminary.
Father was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in October 1975. He has served as an associate pastor, pastor, chaplain and director of the Office of Communications. He was editor-in-chief of the Detroit archdiocesan newspaper, The Michigan Catholic, from 1994-96. Father Halfpenny is a native of Pontiac, Michigan.
Cardinal Adam Maida has appointed Sacred Heart Major Seminary Vice Rector and Dean of Formation, Fr. Patrick Halfpenny, as acting rector, or Rector Pro tem, of the seminary. Father Halfpenny's appointment began on January 13, and is effective until June 30, 2003, which allows time for the cardinal to identify a permanent replacement for Bishop Allen Vigneron. The Holy Father appointed Bishop Vigneron, former rector of SHMS and auxiliary bishop of Detroit, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland (Calif.). His Mass of Welcoming to Oakland will be celebrated on February 26. 