Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, announced last week that Mr. James Amato, MSW, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, will retire on December 31, 2023.
In making this announcement, Bishop McIntyre said, “For the past four decades, Jim has faithfully served Catholic Human Services’ (CHS) in a variety of roles and has taken on ever-increasing levels of responsibility to ensure the vibrancy of our mission to help those in need. His hard work has tremendously impacted hundreds of thousands of lives in deeply positive ways and his dedication to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters deserves our highest commendations. I ask that you join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jim and his work and in wishing him happiness, health, and fulfillment in retirement.”
Mr. Amato began his career as a supervisor in various parish-based social service centers then to assistant director at St. Joseph House for Boys before becoming Assistant Director of Professional Services. In that role, he oversaw Homeless Services and Family Service Center programs for the Archdiocese. He later went on to become the Director of Children Services managing Foster Care, Group Homes, and In-Home Services involving contracts with the city and state. He was appointed Deputy Secretary for Catholic Social Services in 2000, and Secretary for Catholic Human Services in 2016.
Mr. Amato said, “I am deeply grateful to many priests, religious, and laity who have helped shape my career which has been a unique, gratifying, and a faith-building experience. I look forward to spending more time with my wife and grandchildren, reading, walking, and enjoying leisure time.”
A special committee has been formed to identify Mr. Amato’s successor as Secretary for Catholic Human Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
