By Charissa M. Carroll
Head Staff Writer

The recently-appointed executive director of the Department of Pastoral Life will now have countless opportunities to put his fresh ideas to work, as he oversees a number of diocesan offices and commissions, such as the Office of Family Life Ministry, Office for Multi-Cultural Ministries, Office of Worship, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Office of Parish Leadership Formation, Commission for Pro-Life Action and Commission for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.

Enthusiastic about his assignment, which began Sept. 2, Father Cole said, "I like the new. I enjoy trying the traditional and tested in original ways."

If Father Cole had to sum up his leadership philosophy in one word, it would undoubtedly be collaboration. The avid fisherman and amateur cook already knows a thing or two about working as part of a group effort, having closely interacted with his parish community of St. Joseph, Millstone Borough, as pastor for two decades, as well as serving as a member of various diocesan administrative bodies.

"The most important thing I can do in my role as a supporter and an advocate for the department is to encourage the involvement of all [pastoral life] ministries in sharing ideas and working collaboratively," Father Cole said. In this vein, he has already instituted bi-weekly staff meetings and the group is currently working together to form a common vision for pastoral life.

Father Cole said he first embraced the idea of community when serving years ago with Msgr. John R. Torney, now pastor emeritus, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville.

"He encouraged this tremendous sense of lay involvement," explained Father Cole, who has also served in St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, and St. Mary Parish, South Amboy. "He emphasized a sense of community and the commission of the baptized . . . It’s since become a priority to me, whether in my role as pastor or here at the diocesan center.

"I really want to bring the experience of working together in conjunction with the laity to nearly every aspect of the diocese."

Father Cole was born March 5, 1943 in Jersey City. He is one of three children of Raymond and the late Madeline Elizabeth Cole.

He attended Holy Cross High School, Riverside, and LaSalle University, Philadelphia, earning a bachelor’s degree in classical studies. He entered Christ the King Seminary, N.Y., in 1969 and was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1972 in St. Mary Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr.

He has served as member of the Diocese of Trenton’s Steering Committee for the Renewal and co-moderator of the Diocese of Metuchen’s Charismatic Renewal.

In addition, Father Cole has been chairman of the advisory committee for Bethany Ridge Spirituality Center and chaplain for the East Millstone First Aid Squad and Millstone Valley Volunteer Fire Company.

He has also been a member of the Council of Priests, College of Consultors and Seminary Review Board, and has served as chair of the Priestly Life and Ministry Committee and as dean of the County Seat Deanery.

Though many of his specific goals in the Department of Pastoral Life will evolve as he spends more time in his new position, Father Cole has already stated a desire to expand in the areas of evangelization and Liturgy.

"So many people have drifted away from the Church," he said. "I think we really need to heighten our evangelization efforts. It’s not about proselytizing or forcing the issue, but sharing our experiences with the Lord . . . Most Catholics haven’t been raised with a sense of evangelization and they are afraid to be perceived as shoving religion down someone’s throat, but there is a way for it to be achieved with respect for others and their beliefs."

Father Cole hopes to facilitate an increased emphasis on the Liturgy through expansion of the Office of Worship.

"I would like to see this office grow to be more able to be of assistance to priests and all those in liturgical ministry," he said. "Liturgy is the summit and source of our lives. Evangelization, stewardship, education — all ministries — are stimulated and nourished by the Liturgy."

In both of these areas, Father Cole envisions adding new staff members who could lead committees of volunteers.

While balancing the demands of a parish community with a prominent administrative post can be challenging, Father Cole truly enjoys both responsibilities and feels confident he can "find the proper balance."

"[St. Joseph Parish] is a wonderful community," he said. "When I first came here, I felt the warmth immediately and I was embraced by the people . . . And here at the diocesan center, people have an incredible, faith-centered vision. You can see the spirit working in this place. Being a part of that makes me feel enlivened and re-energized."