October 16, 2024

Rev. John Rice, ’84, Named New Vicar General of Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

WHEELING, W.Va.—Bishop Mark E. Brennan has announced the appointment of Father John Rice as vicar general and moderator of the curia of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, effective October 22, 2024.

After the bishop, the vicar general is the highest-ranking official in the Diocese, having authority to exercise a degree of episcopal jurisdiction in the bishop’s name. Bishop Brennan expressed his gratitude to Father Rice for accepting this appointment. “I have seen Father Rice’s effective leadership as chair of the Presbyteral Council and he is held in high regard by his brother priests,” Bishop Brennan said. “I am confident that those leadership qualities will benefit not only those in our diocesan curia, but also the faithful throughout our Diocese. Father John is an experienced priest who, like me, has a great zeal for Catholic education. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”

“I am humbled and honored that Bishop Brennan has invited me to this new role,” Father Rice said. “I look forward to serving the Bishop and the people of our Diocese as we all seek to grow in faith and bring the gospel alive in this great state. Please keep me and our Bishop in your prayers and know that you are in mine.”

Born in Braddock, Pa., Father John Rice was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston on January 5, 2003, by Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt. He served as associate pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Parkersburg from 2003-2004 and St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Weirton from 2004-2005. Father Rice served at parishes in Morgantown, Montgomery and Boomer until his most recent appointment at St. Francis Xavier in Parkersburg and St. Monica Parish in Lubeck, where he has served since 2013. He has also served as chaplain and designated pastor of Parkersburg Catholic High School and the West Virginia Council of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Priests’ Health and Retirement Board.

The appointment comes after the passing of Monsignor Joseph Peterson, who served as vicar general for the Diocese since April 2023. Fr. Rice graduated from Wheeling University in 1984.