Father Bob Miller and Sister Carmel Crimmins depart leadership positions
For nearly five years Father Bob Miller has been a familiar face in the 52 parishes of San Bernardino County, representing Bishop Gerald Barnes as Episcopal Vicar for the county.
Sister Carmel Crimmins, R.S.M., has championed social action ministries from pro life to prisoner outreach to feeding the poor as Director of Community Services for the diocese.
Both will leave their posts on June 30. They were given a ceremonial send-off at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on June 24.
Father Miller said his time as the diocese's first Episcopal Vicar for San Bernardino County allowed him to experience the hospitality of Catholics all across San Bernardino
"I appreciate the support and openness of people along the way," he said. "I have met tremendous people in all ways."
The Episcopal Vicar assists Bishop Barnes in the governance of the diocese, possessing ordinary executive power and consistently providing a physical leadership presence. Specific duties include overseeing parishes lead by a pastoral coordinator, mentoring priest ministers, performing confirmations and other liturgical celebrations and mediating personnel disputes in parishes and schools. Father Romeo Seleccion, MS, will succeed Father Miller as Episcopal Vicar for San Bernardino County.
Father Miller will take a six-month sabbatical. His next assignment has not been announced.
Sister Crimmins, whose humor and infectious smile are matched by her dogged advocacy for Catholic social issues, says she relished daily the opportunity to help the less fortunate.
"This ministry put me touch with people who are hidden," she said. "I was inspired by their compassion and their gratitude for whatever they received. That would keep me going."
While remaining in the diocese, Sister Crimmins will now take a leadership position in the U.S. province of her order, the Sisters of Mercy, focusing on peace and justice initiatives.
