A familiar priestly face to many across the archdiocese because of his ministry in the Office of Vocations will be assuming an additional responsibility in the archdiocese on July 1 when he assumes the position of Director of the Office of Outreach and Cultural Diversity.

Father Michael C. Harrington, a native son of Swampscott, an alumnus of Swampscott High School and U Mass/Amherst, completed his seminary formation at St. John, Brighton and served as a deacon at Most Holy Redeemer parish prior to his ordination on May 27, 2000 by Bernard Cardinal Law at Holy Cross Cathedral.

His first, and thus far only, parish assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Paul Parish in Wellesley. In October 2005 he was named assistant vocation director of the archdiocese a position he will retain while he assumes this new position.

During his years as assistant in the vocation office he has visited parishes, campuses, elementary and high schools speaking about priestly ministry and planting a seed here and there in the hearts of the young. He has also directed retreats and met with young men considering a call to priestly life and ministry.

In his new position he will be responsible for the archdiocese's expansive outreach programs including the many offices that reach the great mosaic of ethnic groups who make up much of the life of the archdiocese.