The Westport ArchdioceseFounded 1845
Shepherds of the Flock

Our Leadership

The Archbishop, his auxiliary bishops and the dedicated clergy and religious who serve the people of Westport.

Archbishop

Most Rev. Thomas J. Sterling

Archbishop Thomas J. Sterling

Appointed the tenth Archbishop of Westport in 2018, Archbishop Sterling has focused his ministry on urban outreach, the protection of the vulnerable, and faithful stewardship of creation. A native son of the region, he was ordained a priest in 1992 and served as parish priest, seminary rector and auxiliary bishop before his appointment.

He holds a Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and served on the boards of several national Catholic charities. He is a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

"Faith that does not move our hands into service is a faith that has grown cold. I invite every member of this family to make this a Year of Service — to take the Gospel from the pew to the street."
— Archbishop Sterling, Pastoral Letter, 2026
  • OrdainedPriest 1992 · Bishop 2014
  • InstalledAs Archbishop, September 2018
  • Episcopal Motto"Soli Deo Gloria" — To God alone be the glory
  • Secretary(555) 123-4567 · archbishop@westportarchdiocese.com
Auxiliary Bishops

Regional Shepherds

Most Rev. Daniel R. O'Keeffe

Auxiliary Bishop for the Northern Deanery

Ordained auxiliary bishop in 2019, Bishop O'Keeffe oversees the growing northern counties, with special care for rural parishes, Hispanic ministry and the diaconate.

Most Rev. Joseph L. Brennan

Auxiliary Bishop for the Southern Deanery

Consecrated in 2021, Bishop Brennan coordinates urban outreach, prison ministry and Catholic Charities across the densely populated southern metropolitan area.

Most Rev. Raymond A. Novotny

Auxiliary Bishop for the Eastern Deanery

A former college president, Bishop Novotny shepherds our Catholic schools and higher-education ministry while assisting with parishes along the coast.

Curia

Governance & Offices

Moderator of the Curia

Msgr. Peter F. Havelock coordinates the central offices on behalf of the Archbishop and oversees the day-to-day governance of the diocese.

Chancellor

Rev. Dr. Anthony R. Sette, J.C.L., directs the archives, canonical records and the affairs of the curial offices.

Vicar General

Msgr. Gregory A. Vargas shares in the ordinary governance of the diocese and acts for the Archbishop in his absence.

Finance Council

A body of clergy and lay financial professionals advising the Archbishop on the administration of diocesan temporal goods.

Priests' Council

Representative clergy advising the Archbishop on the pastoral life of the diocese, meeting monthly at the Chancery.

Diocesan Tribunal

The ecclesiastical court of the archdiocese, serving the canonical needs of the faithful under the Judicial Vicar.