Change in School Leadership Announced

Eileen Symmons
Director of Communications
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2023

Manhasset, NY: Rev. Fr. Robert A. Romeo, pastor of the Church and Schools of Saint Mary, shared today that The Most Reverend Anton Höslinger, Can. Reg., provost of Stift Klosterneuburg, has appointed his confrère, Father Elias Carr, Can. Reg., to succeed him as the abbey’s Kämmerer, its chief financial officer. 

“This appointment came as a complete surprise to me. I felt totally overwhelmed,” Fr. Elias said, adding, “The confidence of the provost and the Chapter Council humbles and honors me.” 

The final approval for the appointment took place on December 6, 2023.

“I am grateful to the wonderful members of the Schools of Saint Mary for these three and a half years of service – first as a substitute teacher, then as chair of the theology department, and lastly, as president.” Fr. Elias added, “I feel well prepared for my new role as Kämmerer because I have learned much from Fr. Bob, who is an exemplary pastor, leader, brother priest, and most of all, friend.”

In addition to his primary responsibility as Kämmerer, Fr. Elias will also serve as the pastor of the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Weidling, a village within the city of Klosterneuburg. “Although I am sad to leave St. Mary’s, which I have grown to love as a school and parish, I am happy to assure you that you will be in good hands with the next president.”

While it is with much sadness that Fr. Bob and the Schools of Saint Mary wish Fr. Elias well in his future endeavors, the pastor is happy to announce a seamless transition to the new president, the Very Reverend Dom Daniel Nash, Can. Reg., Prior of the Canonry of Saint Leopold in Glen Clove, and Fr. Elias’ confrère. “We are deeply grateful for the ongoing engagement of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine…” Fr. Bob said, “…even though they are now one fewer. Their willingness to support the educational mission of St. Mary’s is a wonderful sign of their commitment to the future success of our schools.”

Fr. Daniel brings a wealth of experience to the Schools of Saint Mary. A priest for over 25 years, Fr. Daniel served seven years in three parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, before his novitiate in Klosterneuburg. He became pastor of the third largest church in Vienna, St. Leopold in Donaufeld, where he served for six years. He co-founded the Canonry of St. Leopold with Fr. Elias in 2011 and served as pastor of St. Patrick for six years before becoming pastor of St. Rocco in 2017 and St. Hyacinth in 2020.

“I am so thrilled to be able to serve at St. Mary’s and now get to know personally the schools about which I have heard so much from Fr. Elias. And having the opportunity again to work in Catholic education with Fr. Bob is as exciting as it is unexpected.” 

Growing up on Long Island, he attended Catholic schools. During his undergraduate days at the Catholic University of America, Fr. Daniel was a master of ceremonies for the sacred liturgy at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and editor of the student newspaper, The Tower. After completing pre-theology at Catholic University, James Cardinal Hickey sent him to the North American College for Seminary in Rome for five years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and then his licentiate in moral theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas (Angelicum) before his 1997 ordination to the priesthood in St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC.

Thanks to his extensive linguistic abilities – he speaks several languages – Fr. Daniel regularly celebrates Mass in English, Spanish, Italian, and Latin, and whenever possible, in German. Besides his work as a Latin teacher, Fr. Daniel served as Fr. Bob’s successor as the executive pastor of the Board of Pastors at All Saints Regional Catholic School and as an ombudsman to facilitate communication and relationships among the various constituencies of the school community.

“I am extremely grateful for the many gifts and talents Fr. Elias brought to our schools…” Fr. Bob commented, “…including honing academic excellence, engagement, and listening to faculty to forge a sustainable future, and deepening the Catholic dimension of student life.” 

Having worked with Fr. Daniel for many years as his local dean and as executive pastor of All Saints Regional Catholic School, Fr. Bob stated that he is confident of Fr. Daniel’s aptitude for this critical leadership position, “With my appointment of Fr. Daniel, effective January 1, 2024, I am confident that he will build on the vision of Fr. Elias and previous presidents as he brings to bear his personal gifts and pastoral experience to face the future with strength and certainty. Please join me in welcoming Fr. Daniel to our wonderful St. Mary’s family.”

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