Rev. Bernger named vicar for social concerns in Youngstown diocese

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Bishop George V. Murry of the Diocese of Youngstown has appointed the Rev. David J. Bergner as vicar for social concerns in the diocese. He will begin his tenure with Catholic Charities on July 1.

A priest of the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians), Father Bergner has devoted a significant portion of his life and ministry to the work of Catholic Charities.

He earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland and a doctorate in social work administration from the Catholic University of America.

In addition to service with Catholic Charities organizations in Washington, D.C.; Wilmington, Del.; Richmond, Va.; and Milwaukee, Wis., he also served for 20 years as a U.S. Naval Reserve chaplain.

He also held various leadership positions within the Society of the Divine Savior. As provincial, he worked as part of a management team responsible for the operations of his religious order and its charitable works. This included the placement of 105 priests and religious brothers throughout 23 archdioceses and dioceses in the United States, Tanzania, Italy and the Philippines.

Father Bergner is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and Catholic Charities USA.

“I am both pleased and privileged to welcome Father Bergner to the Diocese of Youngstown,” said Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, vicar general and moderator of curia for the diocese.

“His entire career has been spent serving and advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable people at home and around the globe. His pastoral and executive leadership, as well as the wealth and diversity of his professional experience, are tremendous assets that will help to further the mission of Catholic Charities in our diocese to serve the needs of the poor and marginalized.”

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown is the administrative arm of the bishop for carrying out social concerns activities. It shares the mission of Catholic Charities USA: to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.

Catholic Charities is devoted to meeting basic human needs, strengthening families, building communities, and empowering low-income people.

For information, contact Monsignor Siffrin at 330-744-8451.