MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino announced December 26 the appointment of Msgr. James R. Bartylla to the role of vicar general for the Diocese of Madison.
Monsignor Bartylla has served as director of the diocesan Office of Vocations since 2004. He succeeds Msgr. Daniel T. Ganshert, who was appointed pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Watertown.
“I’m very thankful to the bishop for placing his trust in me,” said Monsignor Bartylla of his appointment. “The vicar general’s office I envision to be an extension of the office of the bishop to serve the priests, parishes, and people of the Diocese of Madison. I look forward to working with the pastors as I take on this administrative position in the diocese, and I look back with fondness on my six years as director of vocations, which has given me a lot of experience in specialized ministry at the diocesan level.”
Monsignor Bartylla also looks forward to Fr. Paul Arinze taking the position of director of vocations. “I know he’ll do a wonderful job with the young people discerning their vocation to priesthood and the consecrated life,” he said.
Monsignor Bartylla was ordained to the priesthood in 2001. He discerned his vocation while studying law at the University of Wisconsin Madison, and upon graduating went to the seminary to study to become a priest of the Diocese of Madison.
He has served as assistant priest secretary to the bishop; parochial vicar at parishes in Verona, Paoli, Kieler, and Sinsinawa; administrator of parishes in Bloomington and Patch Grove; and pastor of parishes in Mt. Horeb and Pine Bluff.
He serves on the Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, Diocesan Finance Council, St. Raphael Board, and Personnel Board. He was named a Chaplain of His Holiness (monsignor) in 2007.