CHICAGO (November 5, 2004) Rev. George J. Rassas, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Lake Forest, has been appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, effective November 30. The announcement was made today by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago.

Fr. Rassas replaces the Most Rev. Raymond E. Goedert, retired Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, who had served as interim Vicar General since August 20.

In his new role as vicar general, Fr. Rassas will assist the archbishop as a chief executive officer and will function in the archbishop’s name during his absence.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Fr. George R. Rassas as Vicar General, said Cardinal George. “Fr. Rassas is a dedicated, committed priest of the archdiocese, and

has had an extraordinary range of experience both within the Pastoral Center, and as a pastor and associate pastor since his ordination in 1968. In addition to his experience, his education and training have prepared him well for this next assignment. I am grateful to him for accepting this new ministry in the Church he has served so well.”

A native of Baltimore, Fr. Rassas was raised in Winnetka and attended Saints Faith Hope and Charity grammar school, Quigley North High School, Niles College and Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary before being ordained a priest in 1968. He served as an associate pastor at Queen of the Rosary Parish, Elk Grove Village; St. Genevieve Parish, Chicago; St. Norbert’s Parish, Northbrook; and Sacred Heart Parish, Winnetka, before being named pastor at St. Mary’s Parish.

In addition to his service in the parishes, Fr. Rassas has held many key posts in the Archdiocese. He presently serves on the Archdiocese’s Board of Consultors and the Comprehensive Archdiocesan Planning Committee. He also is on the Board of Advisors at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. Fr. Rassas had previously been Chairman of the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council; Director of the Office of Family Ministries; and Associate Director of the Catholic Family Consultation Service and Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.

His extraordinary academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Loyola University, Chicago. He participated in a doctor of ministry program at Saint Mary of the Lake. Fr. Rassas’ commitment to education also includes his service as founding board member and chairman of the new St. Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan.