By Charissa M. Carroll
Head Staff Writer

After nearly six years of fostering the vocations of future clergy and religious, Father Robert W. Medley is answering God’s call in a new way.

Since Sept. 2, the former director of the Office of Vocations has been serving the diocese as vice chancellor. Father Medley, who is pastor of Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro, works closely with Msgr. William Benwell, vicar general and moderator of the curia, on any number of chancery matters. Among his duties will be granting marriage dispensations and assisting the vicar general in his work with special priest cases, such as laicizations and incardinations. In addition, he may assist in the tasks of the chancellor, who is responsible for keeping the records of the curia and acting as notary to the bishop.

In addition to his previous role in the vocations office, Father Medley brings to the chancery a wealth of knowledge from prior positions within the diocese, including administrative assistant to then-Bishop Edward T. Hughes, director of the Office of Deaf Ministry and chairman of the Commission for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, of which he is still a member. He currently serves as chairman of the diocese’s Seminary Education Board.

"I have an overall picture of how the diocese works, having held these other positions, and I hope that this will turn out to be a strength here," Father Medley remarked.

Born March 25, 1964 in Neptune, Father Medley attended St. Cecelia Elementary School, Iselin, and Colonia High School. It wasn’t until attending the University of Notre Dame that he began to feel his vocation taking shape.

"My faith really grew and I started to become more involved in the Church and in volunteer opportunities," he said. ". . . I felt God was calling me to become a priest."

After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame, Father Medley began his studies in Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange.

He was ordained May 26, 1990 in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen, by Bishop Edward T. Hughes. Father Medley has served as associate pastor in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield; Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, and St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Parish.

Father Medley said he looks upon his new assignment as an "exciting challenge" and hopes, above all, "to be of assistance in any way possible."