Diocese of Greensburg announces new leadership appointments

The Catholic Diocese of Greensburg announced two new key leadership appointments.

Bishop Larry Kulick, who was installed last week, revealed Thursday a new vicar general and director of Catholic Charities. Both men are longtime figures in the diocese.

Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle, 68, rector of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg, was appointed vicar general, which is a top administrative assistant to the bishop and serves as the liaison to the various parishes and departments.

Riffle has been a fixture in the diocese since his ordination in 1979, serving in a number of posts over the last four decades.

“I am grateful for Bishop Kulick’s confidence in me, and I am hopeful that I will be able to provide him with the assistance he needs as he moves forward with the many challenges and opportunities that the Diocese is facing,” Riffle said.

Riffle, who previously served as managing director of Catholic Charities, will leave that role as he assumes his new duties.

Paul A. Niemiec, LPC, director of counseling services for Catholic Charities, will succeed Riffle as the interim managing director.

Niemiec has served the Catholic Charities, which is the primary social service arm of the diocese, for nearly two decades. He assumes the post of interim director as the board of the agency, which serves residents across the region without regard to religious affiliation, works to complete a new strategic plan.