A New Chapter of Pastoral Leadership and Service in the Archdiocese of New York

With faith, hope, and gratitude, the Church in New York has entered a new chapter.

On February 6, 2026, Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks was formally installed as the 11th Archbishop of New York during a historic liturgy at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral — the first archdiocesan leadership transition in nearly 17 years. Surrounded by cardinals, bishops, clergy, and the faithful, Archbishop Hicks accepted the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of New York with humility, prayer, and a deep sense of mission.

For Catholic Charities of New York, the installation marked not only a moment of celebration, but also one of profound hope for the future of service to our neighbors most in need.

A Pastor Formed by Faith and Service

Archbishop Hicks comes to New York with a pastoral heart shaped by years of ministry alongside people on the margins. Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994, he served in parish ministry, seminary formation, and diocesan leadership before being appointed Bishop of Joliet in 2020.

One of the most formative chapters of his ministry came earlier, when he spent five years in El Salvador as regional director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers) — an organization dedicated to caring for orphaned and abandoned children across Latin America and the Caribbean. That experience, living and serving among the poor, deeply influenced his understanding of the Gospel as something lived through accompaniment, dignity, and love in action.

That same spirit marked his leadership in the Diocese of Joliet, where Archbishop Hicks was a strong and trusted partner to Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet. He consistently affirmed the essential role Catholic Charities plays in responding to hunger, poverty, and hardship, supporting the work through close collaboration with leadership and staff across the diocese. Colleagues recall not only his eloquence in speaking and advocating for the mission of Catholic Charities, but also his quiet attentiveness — taking time, even on the busiest days, to listen, connect, and make people feel seen.

Through these experiences, Archbishop Hicks has developed a pastoral approach centered on listening, humility, and walking with people where they are — values that resonate deeply with the mission of Catholic Charities.

A Vision of a Missionary Church

In his installation homily, Archbishop Hicks spoke movingly about the Church’s call to be missionary — not turned inward, but sent outward in service.

“This is a call to be a missionary Church, not a country club,” Archbishop Hicks said. “The Church exists to go out and serve all people, on fire with faith, hope, and charity in the name of Jesus Christ.”

He emphasized a vision of the Church that:
• Cares for the poor and vulnerable
• Upholds the dignity of every human life
• Builds bridges across cultures and generations
• Listens, heals, and accompanies those who are suffering

It is a vision reflected each day in the work of Catholic Charities across the three boroughs and seven counties of the Archdiocese of New York, where families and individuals facing hunger, homelessness, displacement, poverty, and crisis are met with care, dignity, and hope.

Recognizing Faith in Action

During the installation liturgy, Archbishop Hicks warmly acknowledged the staff of Catholic Charities of New York and Catholic Charities Community Services, underscoring his appreciation for those who serve our neighbors in need every day. His words affirmed the quiet, faithful work that takes place across food pantries, shelters, parish programs, and community-based services throughout the Archdiocese.

On February 5, during Solemn Vespers, Archbishop Hicks offered a reflection that resonated deeply. “We are not meant to carry the weight of the world on our own — because we have Jesus walking with us,” he said.

That message lies at the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission: rooted in faith, we accompany our neighbors, share the burden, and offer help, hope, and dignity in moments of hardship.

Continuing the Mission Together

As Archbishop Hicks begins his ministry in New York, he does so with gratitude and humility — asking the people of the Archdiocese for the gift of prayer, and promising to pray for them in return.

As Catholic Charities of New York welcomes Archbishop Hicks, we do so with confidence and hope. His pastoral leadership — shaped by lived experience with poverty and a deep commitment to service — aligns powerfully with our mission of providing help and creating hope. Together, we look forward to continuing this shared work — serving our neighbors with compassion and dignity, and living the Gospel through action across the Archdiocese of New York.

Please join us in praying for Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks as he shepherds the Church in New York and leads us forward in faith, hope, and charity.