April 14, 2011 - Cardinal Announces Appointment of Rev. John R. McLaughlin in Campus Ministry

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap.  is pleased to announce that he has assigned Reverend John R. McLaughlin, Jr.  as Catholic Campus Minister at Boston University.  Fr. McLaughlin is succeeding Sister Olga of the Eucharist, who has served for the past five years as full-time Catholic Campus Minister at Boston University and as co-director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain this past year.

Fr. McLaughlin, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, was appointed the first National Vocations Director for the Archdiocese for the Military Services in 2008, where he is currently stationed.  Fr. McLaughlin served as Pastor of St. Monica Parish in Methuen from 2005 to 2008, as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish, Foxboro from 2000 to 2005, and as Parochial Vicar at St. Clement Parish, Somerville from 1995 to 2000.  He was ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston in May 1995.  In his work for the Military Archdiocese, Fr. McLaughlin visits bases around the country sharing his faith and encouraging servicemen and woman in their commitment to God and country.  His office was created to foster and recruit vocations to the priesthood.  Fr. McLaughlin’s new appointment is effective July 1, 2011.

“Fr. McLaughlin has done outstanding work as National Director for Vocations for the Archdiocese for the Military Services. I am most grateful that his many skills in evangelization, vocations and administration will be at the service of the Catholic community at Boston University,” said Cardinal O’Malley.

Fr. McLaughlin expressed his eagerness to return to his home diocese and to work with students at Boston University.  “It will not be easy to follow Sr. Olga and the fine work she has done at BU.  I pray that I might  share whatever gifts and talents the Lord has given me to further the mission of Catholic evangelization at BU, building upon the fine work and ministry of Sr. Olga” he said.

Cardinal O’Malley is deeply grateful to Sister Olga for accepting his invitation to discern the foundation of a new religious order for women in the Archdiocese of Boston during this process of formation.  “Sister has cared for the spiritual and physical well-being of so many students at Boston University by fostering there a deeply Catholic community.  She challenged students to serve Christ and His Church.  She has served as a guide and spiritual mentor to young men in formation for the priesthood and women in formation for consecrated life,” said the Cardinal.

The Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel and Chaplain to the University, expressed both understanding and regret at the announcement of Sister’s leaving.  “For the past decade Sr. Olga has graced with her presence the community of Boston University.  We recognize and affirm her significant ministerial commitment here, and the very substantial fruitfulness of her work.  We shall miss her greatly, and will follow with interest her next incarnation in service to the church.  She has been a joy to work with and a real friend to all of us in the leadership of Religious Life at BU,” he said.

Sister Olga said that “leaving the BU community is like leaving a family.  It is my home away from home.”  Sister expressed her appreciation to the Cardinal O’Malley for his “trust and faith in my humble service for his flock on the campus,” to the administration, faculty and staff at BU for their “welcoming spirit and support,” and to the students for “allowing me to walk with you during your college years.”