CHICAGO (February 17, 2006) Fr. John F. Canary, Rector of the Archdiocesan seminary at Mundelein, has been named Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, succeeding Bishop George J. Rassas, who has been named Episcopal Vicar for Vicariate I of the Archdiocese. Fr. Thomas Baima will serve as acting rector of the seminary until a permanent replacement is named. Both appointments will become effective February 21.

In being promoted to Vicar General, Fr. Canary will assist the archbishop as a chief executive officer and will function in the archbishop’s name during his absence.

In his letter to parishes announcing his appointment, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago said, “Fr. Canary knows most of the priests of the Archdiocese and has earned their trust over many years of service as Vicar for Priests and Rector of Mundelein Seminary. He is an excellent administrator, and I look forward to working closely with him.”

A native of the Beverly neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Fr. Canary is one of four children. Ordained in 1969, he is a graduate of Quigley High School, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. He also earned a master’s degree in applied spirituality from the University of San Francisco and a doctor of ministry from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary.

Fr. Canary has been Rector of Mundelein Seminary since 1995, where he also had previously served as Vice Rector and Dean of Formation. He also served as Vicar for Priest for the Archdiocese and was on the faculty at Niles College. Immediately following his ordination, he was an associate pastor at St. Irenaeus Parish, Park Forest.