Diocese makes changes to vocations, media relations

CHARLESTON—Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone recently announced some changes for several offices in the Diocese of Charleston.
The Office of Vocations and its vicar, Father Jeffrey F. Kirby, moved from St. Joseph Church in Columbia to the Drexel House located at 34 Wentworth St. on peninsular Charleston. The Drexel House was formerly the home of the diocese’s volunteer program.
Also effective July 1, Deacon Joe Cahill, who has served in the vocations office for over 10 years, was named as task force coordinator by Bishop Guglielmone.
According to a memo announcing the changes, this is a new position and the deacon will conduct a study of Catholic cemeteries in South Carolina. He will also coordinate several other diocesan-wide feasibility studies.
Additionally, Stephen Gajdosik, the diocese’s media relations representative, is leaving that position. Gajdosik will continue as president and CEO of Catholic Radio Association, Inc. He helped found the organization, which currently has three stations in South Carolina and features EWTN programming. He also served as legislative affairs liaison for the diocese, most notably on the S.C. Education Opportunity Act (S.520), or school choice bill.
To replace Gajdosik, Bishop Guglielmone has retained HearSay Communications to handle public relations for the diocese beginning Aug. 1. Maria Aselage is president of HearSay and was director of the diocesan Office of Communications from 2002-2005. She is a former television news anchor and reporter.