FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judicial Vicar Named Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, November 19, 2007 — Most Reverend William Murphy, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre has announced that Pope Benedict XVI has conferred the title of “Monsignor” at the level of Chaplain to His Holiness upon Father James F. Pereda, M.A., M Div., J.C.D., Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

The honorary title of “Monsignor” is given to Roman Catholic priests as a sign of appreciation and recognition of the service they have rendered, both locally and in the world. 

“I am delighted that Father Pereda is being given special recognition from the Holy Father,” said Bishop Murphy. 

“I am very grateful to the Holy Father for bestowing this honor and to Bishop Murphy for requesting it for me,” said Msgr. Pereda.  “I am grateful to so many of my brother priests who by their friendship and beautiful example have taught me through the years what it means to be a priest.”

In July 2007, Bishop Murphy installed Msgr. Pereda as the new judicial vicar.  He served on the tribunal since 1991.  Msgr. Pereda holds a licentiate (an advanced graduate degree) in canon law as well as an M.A. and B.A from the Catholic University of America in Washington.  Msgr. Pereda also holds a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, also known as the Angelicum. 

In his free time Monsignor Pereda enjoys visiting with family and priest friends, reading good books, listening to classical music and attending the opera when he can. 

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About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the Diocese of Rockville Centre (www.drvc.org) was formed in 1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There are also 120,189 total students in religious education. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island.