By The Message Staff
After an extensive search process, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel has appointed Eric Girten, Director of the Office of Marriage, Family and Life for the Diocese of Evansville, as Vice-Chancellor. Eric will assume his duties April 22, and a national search will begin immediately for a new Director of the Office of Marriage, Family and Life.
Bishop Siegel said, “For the past 6.5 years, Eric has done excellent work in the Family and Life Office and is very knowledgeable of our Diocese. I am confident that as Vice-Chancellor, he will provide the knowledge and expertise to assist our parishes, schools and diocesan offices in their pastoral service to the people in our 12 counties.”
Eric joined the diocesan staff in 2017. During his tenure, the diocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life has seen extensive growth in ministries supporting the laity.
Diocesan Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Dean Happe said, “We are extremely pleased and blessed to have someone of Eric's experience, commitment and passion for our diocese serve in this role. I look forward to working with him as he continues to build and strengthen the partnership with our parishes, schools and diocesan offices to help ensure the delivery of ministry and service to the people of our diocese.”
Before joining the diocese, Eric worked for 18 years in the areas of community health and social service.
Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville and a master’s degree in pastoral care and administration from Loyola University. He also holds a social work license in Indiana.
Eric and his wife Kristen are members of Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville; have been married for 28 years and have three children: Samuel, Jacob and Clare. Kristen is principal of Good Shepherd School in Evansville. Samuel is a police officer in Newburgh, Indiana. Jacob teaches at St. Benedict Cathedral School in Evansville, and Clare is working toward a social work degree at USI. Eric is involved with his parish and serves as the Evansville Captain for White House Jesuit Retreat and has been a regular article contributor to The Message for more than 10 years.
Eric said, “It has been a wonderful experience to work with so many good and talented people in the Diocese in my role as Director of Family and Life. I want to thank Bishop Siegel for this new opportunity. I am excited about and look forward to serving Bishop Siegel and the Diocese of Evansville as Vice-Chancellor.”