D’Arrigo honored for service to priests

Joe D’Arrigo, joined by his wife, Mary, receives the first-ever St. Joseph Exemplar Opificum Award for exemplary service to the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston.

The recently retired executive director of Clergy Trust, Joe D’Arrigo, recently received the inaugural St. Joseph Exemplar Opificum (“A Model of All Who Labor”) Award from the Archdiocese of Boston’s Clergy Trust. Due to concerns about the pandemic, the award was presented at a small gathering in downtown Boston by Clergy Trust Chair Mark Vachon.

At the request of Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, D’Arrigo helped to establish Clergy Trust, an independently managed trust that provides ongoing care and support for the health, well-being, and retirement of all active and senior diocesan priests in good standing across the Archdiocese of Boston. Retiring in June after more than 12 years of service as executive director, D’Arrigo was the first-ever recipient of this new award that was created to honor those who have shown exemplary service to the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston.

The concept for the award came from Father Gerry Petringa, trustee emeritus of Clergy Trust, and the name was created by Bishop Mark O’Connell, vice-chair of Clergy Trust.

The recognition is of particular importance given that this is the Year of St. Joseph, patron saint of workers.

When presenting the award, Vachon stated that, not only does D’Arrigo share his name with the namesake of the award, but also consistently shares St. Joseph’s characteristics. His dedication to the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston, his commitment to the archdiocese and the mission of the Catholic Church, his ability to be an outstanding leader and model of professionalism, and his willingness to put the needs of others before his own, made him an ideal choice for the inaugural award.

Bishop O’Connell added that if you were to ask diocesan priests about Joe D’Arrigo they would probably tell you he is a dogged advocate, a loyal friend, a shrewd businessman, and they would surely agree he is a “model of all who labor.”

True to the nature of a “humble worker,” D’Arrigo’s retirement has been filled with doing what he can for others. Taking the reins from his longtime friend Don Rodman, who passed away in 2020, D’Arrigo currently serves as president of Rodman for Kids. He also sits on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester.

 

This article was originally published on The Boston Pilot.

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James MacDonald

  • Current Senior Advisor, Fidelity Investments focusing on strategic initiatives.
  • 20+ years as Executive at Fidelity Investments with a proven track record of developing strategies and growing businesses, while delivering long-term financial performance in highly competitive markets.
  • Many years in technology including Athena Health, State Street Corporation, and Bank NY Mellon
  • Longtime parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Duxbury
  • BS, University of Massachusetts; The Wharton School Executive Development Program, University of PA

Rev. Thomas S. Rafferty

  • Ordained a Priest in May 2005
  • Currently serves as Pastor of St. Oscar Romero Parish in Canton, MA
  • Prior assignments include: St. John the Evangelist Parish, Swampscott, St. Patrick Parish, Natick
  • Before entering the seminary, Fr. Rafferty earned his law degree at New England School of Law and worked many years as a lawyer
  • Undergraduate degree from Boston College

Rev. J. Michael Lawlor

  • Ordained a Priest in May 1973
  • Currently serves as Pastor of The Church of St. Paul in Hamilton, MA
  • Prior assignments include: St. Joseph Parish, Needham, St. Maria Goretti Parish, Lynnfield; St. Ann Parish, Peabody; St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, Danvers; St. Theresa of Avila, West Roxbury
  • Has served on the Archdiocese’s Presbyterial Council, the College of Consultors, the Board of Trustees for Saint John Seminary, and several other Archdiocesan committees

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Congratulations!

The Clergy Trust Team and Board of Trustees thank Cardinal Seán for his unfailing commitment to his brother priests and his enthusiasm in working with laity over the last 20 years, creating a lasting legacy on the Archdiocese of Boston and the future care of our clergy.

For his loving ministry, his servant leadership, and his gracious collaboration, we are eternally grateful.

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