Bishop appoints new chaplains to Worcester State University

Bishop McManus has appointed Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan, diocesan chancellor and pastor of Christ the King Parish, as Roman Catholic chaplain of Worcester State University, effective immediately.

He succeeds Ruth Flynn. In addition to his new position, Msgr. Sullivan will remain chancellor and pastor.

He said that, because of his other duties for the diocese and parish, another person is needed “who can offer more hours of service per week than I can offer, hence the two positions.  For the sacramental aspects of the ministry to unfold we need a person who can be ‘on the ground,’ organizing and communicating with students and strengthening the Catholic faith community on campus.”

Therefore, the bishop has appointed Marc Tumeinski as Roman Catholic campus minister at WSU, effective immediately.

“Marc and I have known each other for nearly 30 years,” Msgr. Sullivan said. “I served in his native parish, St. Luke’s in Westborough.”

Msgr. Sullivan said he has taken an interest in addressing the spiritual needs of the students at WSU, which is less than a mile from the parish. He said he will be celebrating the Sunday Masses and  also perform other sacramental duties, such as confessions, special services and perhaps some counseling.

Mr. Tumeinski, whose position also will be part time, is a graduate of Westfield State College (now University). He has a master’s degree in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary and College in Cromwell, Conn.,  plus a post-degree certificate. He also is a doctoral student in Theology at the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, England, founded by Blessed (Cardinal) John Henry Newman. He is currently working on his dissertation in Worcester and returns once a year to Birmingham.

Mr. Tumeinski has taught courses at Anna Maria College, Fitchburg State University and Holy Apostles Seminary. He has taught online courses as well as in the classroom.

He and his wife, Joanne Massarelli, teach workshops for people in human services. They have taught in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They live in Worcester.