Diocese of Oakland Chancellor Steve Wilcox Retirement Announcement

Bishop Barber shares a message of thanks to retiring Diocese of Oakland Chancellor Steve Wilcox.

Please join me in thanking Steve Wilcox as he retires as Chancellor, effective Aug. 27. He has served faithfully and effectively as Chancellor since November 2017. Through many difficult situations, his keen commitment to our Church and to professional standards has served me, and the diocese, so very well.

In his role as Chancellor he has assisted us in upgrading our outreach through digital communications, while supervising our Department of Faith Formation & Evangelization, the Catholic Youth Organization and Mission Advancement. He has been instrumental in ensuring our continued commitment to the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, overseeing the publishing of the list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse and working with many individuals, including our Diocesan Review, during a particularly challenging period.

Steve has played a key role as my representative at Catholic Charities of the East Bay and has agreed to serve in that capacity even after his retirement. He also hopes to continue in the Diocese’s Racial Justice activities.

Steve richly deserves this time to be with his wife, Peg, and to enjoy his family and friends. In our conversation regarding his departure Steve shared: “My tenure at the diocese has given me the privilege to work with many dedicated people, including pastors, parish staff and Chancery personnel. I am grateful for the opportunity you, Bishop Barber, gave me to serve as your chancellor. I’ll continue volunteering in various ways, so I know our paths cross again.”

Steve has been my right-hand man and has taken on many challenging issues in service to our Diocese. We owe him so much for his competent and dedicated service to the Church. We will miss his wise counsel and cheerful presence on our leadership team. A search for his successor is underway.