Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Worcester, will deliver a talk titled: “Readiness for Reconciliation” at the annual Worcester Diocesan Men’s Conference. He will speak prior to the lunch break when the sacrament of reconciliation will be available to anyone who wishes to take part in it.
Msgr. Sullivan was born on July 5, 1949, in San Francisco and relocated to New York before coming to Massachusetts.
He graduated from North Andover High School in 1967 and the College of the Holy Cross in 1971. He earned a master’s degree in education, with a concentration in religious education, from Boston College in 1974. He did seminary studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore.
He was ordained a priest on June 18, 1977, in St. Paul Cathedral by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan.
His first parish assignment was associate pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Worcester. He later served as associate pastor for the parishes of St. Luke the Evangelist, Westborough, and St. Mary and Our Lady of the Rosary in Spencer.
From 1979 to 1984 he was the associate director of the diocesan Office of Religious Education, specializing in adult education, and was the director of the South County Religious Education Office. He was the diocesan director of the Emmaus Program for Priestly Spirituality and a member of the Priests’ Personnel Board and the Diocesan Vocations Advisory Board. In June 1990, he was appointed headmaster of St. Bernard Central Catholic High School, Fitchburg.
In April 1995, he was appointed diocesan director of vocations, a post he held for 10 years. He was secretary to Bishop Daniel P. Reilly from April 1995 until June 1998. He was named diocesan chancellor in June 1998 and served until July 2013.
In January 2002, he received pontifical honors and the title of monsignor.
From April 2002 until August 2003, he was administrator of St. Bernadette Parish, Northborough. In September 2004, while chancellor, he was named moderator of the diocesan Office of Development - later the Office of Stewardship and Development – and became its director in August 2005.
From July to November 2006, in addition to his diocesan duties, he was pastor of St. Columba Parish, Paxton. On July 1, 2008, the position of director of the diocesan Fiscal Affairs Office was added. His responsibilities in those financial posts ended in July 2011, when he was made pastor of Christ the King Parish, Worcester, where he still serves.
He also served as a member of the Planning Committee for the Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference for more than 20 years.
He is described as “one of the most talented homilists in the Church today.” His pre-lunch presentation will aim to prepare men who wish to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation, regardless of how long it has been.
The Men’s Conference will be held at the DCU Center on March 16. The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration, followed by the rosary at 8 a.m., music at 8:30 a.m. and the welcoming and prayer at 8:45 a.m.
In addition to Msgr. Sullivan, other speakers include Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Michael Nicholson and James Wahlberg.
The conference also offers the opportunity for men to go to confession at the lunch break, to solemnly reflect in the all-day adoration chapel, and to visit more than 50 vendors. The day concludes with a 4 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop McManus.
Tickets are $50 for adults through March 9, and $60 after that date or at the door. Student tickets are always $30. Lunch is included with tickets. To purchase tickets, visit catholicmenworc.com.