Native Quincyan assumes role early next year in Rome

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki announced on Nov. 23 that Father Peter Harman has been appointed rector of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC) in Rome effective Feb. 1, 2016.

Currently the director of Pastoral Formation at PNAC, Father Harman will become the 23rd rector, succeeding Msgsr. James Checchio who served for 10 years.

Father Harman attended Quincy Notre Dame High School and St. Meinrad College Seminary before beginning to study at PNAC in 1995. Ordained on July 17, 1999, Father Harman returned to Rome to complete the License in Sacred Theology. He began his pastoral service in 2000 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where he later served as pastor for five years and oversaw the 2008-2009 restoration project. In addition, Father Harman taught at the former Ursuline Academy and served two years at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield. Father Harman earned his doctorate in sacred theology at The Catholic University of America and returned to Rome to serve his current role on the PNAC formation faculty, as well as serving as director of media relations and adjunct instructor in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

"I am very happy with the choice of Father Harman, whom I know for his fine service in his diocese and to the college," said Newark [N.J.] Archbishop John Myers, chairman of the PNAC Board of Governors.

"It is a great honor for our diocese that Father Harman has been named the new rector," said Bishop Paprocki. "He is a faithful priest with many talents, as exhibited in his various assignments, particularly in overseeing the renovation of our Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception when he was Pastor of our Cathedral Parish in Springfield.

"We wish Father Harman well and pray for God's blessings as he assumes these new responsibilities in forming and educating future priests for the United States."

"I view my time spent as a seminarian at the college as an important gift to me," said Father Harman. "While very much surprised and humbled by this appointment, I wish to do anything I can to further the good work that takes place here. I am reminded and inspired daily of the joyful and generous lives of the seminarians, student priests and faculty."

Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, the Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary for diocesan clergy in Rome. The college has formed over 5,000 priests for service in dioceses around the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has two seminarians studying at PNAC including Michael Friedel, a third year theological student from Holy Angels Parish in Wood River and Dominic Rankin, of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Quincy, who is in his second year. In addition, Father Daren Zehnle of Quincy, is pursuing graduate studies in canon law with residence at the Casa Santa Maria, the graduate division of the PNAC in Rome.