Chicago, IL (August 23, 2007)—Rev. Jordan J. Kelly, O.P., has been named the new Director of the Office for Evangelization at the Archdiocese of Chicago. He will report to Rev. Richard P. Hynes, Director of the Department of Evangelization, Catechesis and Worship.

“As a Dominican Friar, I am looking forward to bringing the news of the New Evangelization to the people of God,” said Fr. Kelly, who most recently served as the Dean of Students at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. In six years at the west suburban high school, Fr. Kelly filled a number of roles, including Director of Faith Formation and Student Activities, Department of Theology Chair and as an instructor of Sacramental and Moral Theology.

Fr. Kelly currently serves as weekend celebrant at St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs. He also leads retreats that are part of the formation programs of the Dominican Sisters across the country and is active in promoting of the cause for canonization for Dominican brothers.

Fr. Kelly brings a rich musical background to this position having served as Director of Music of the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, MO and Associate Director of Music for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Fr. Kelly earned his Master of Sacred Music degree from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, in December 2000, and his Pontifical Degree in Sacred Theology and Master of Divinity degree in May 1990 from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.

Born and raised in Allentown, PA, Fr. Kelly was ordained for the Dominican Friars of the Province St. Albert the Great on June 1, 2003 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in west suburban River Forest. Fr. Kelly resides at the Saint Pius V Priory, 1909 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago.