The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania. There are 10 Catholic dioceses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Eight are Latin Rite dioceses, fully contained within the Commonwealth. Two are Byzantine Rite dioceses with Apostolic Sees in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has set broad objectives and highlighted some particular issues of concern.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, which meets annually, comprises the local ordinary bishops of Pennsylvania, that is, the ecclesiastical superiors of each Pennsylvania diocese. The function of the board, which is governed by its chairman, Cardinal Justin Rigali, is to establish the principles of the conference and determine its policies. Each ordinary bishop appoints two members to the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Administrative Board, one of whom is a priest and serves as a personal representative of the bishop to the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.

Administrative Board

The Administrative Board, which is composed of both clergy and laity, meets three times a year to conduct the affairs of the Conference by ratifying public policy positions within the guidelines set by the Board of Governors and offering guidance to the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference staff.

Officers of the Administrative Board

President
Most Rev. Joseph P. McFadden, Diocese of Harrisburg

Vice President
Rev. Msgr. Lawrence T. Persico, Diocese of Greensburg

Recording Secretary
Rev. Msgr. Peter Waslo, Philadelphia Ukrainian Archeparchy

Treasurer
Rev. Msgr. Michael E. Servinsky, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

Departments

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is served by three departments, which also meet three times a year. The departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Social Concerns provide research and consultation to the Administrative Board and staff. The Communications Department helps to inform and educate the Catholic faithful and the general public about PCC and its issues. Each ordinary bishop appoints two persons from his diocese to serve on each department.

The Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA) is an associate of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.

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