Anthony J. Mingarino was named chancellor of the Diocese of Trenton, and will supervise the department of Temporal Administration, maintaining the title and responsibilities of his former position as chief administrative officer.

“To say that I was surprised at my appointment as chancellor would be an understatement,” said Mingarino, who joined the Diocese of Trenton in October 2003 as chief administrative officer and secretary of Temporal Administration. “While I knew that canon law allows for a lay person to serve as chancellor, it has not been the history of this diocese.  I was stunned and humbled at the same time,” he reflected, adding, “It is also a profound responsibility to ensure that the work of the chancellor is fulfilled in accordance with canon law and the wishes of our bishop.”

The role of chancellor as defined in canon law (482:1) is to draft, gather, arrange and safeguard official curial documents, such as deeds, proceedings and diocesan records, and to serve, also, as the diocesan notary.

“These are my primary responsibilities,” explained Mingarino. “However, the chancellor also accepts any additional responsibilities which the bishop designates.” In retaining his title as chief administrative officer, Mingarino explained, “I am responsible for the diocesan offices of Finance, Administrative Services, Human Resources, Cemeteries, Development and Property and Construction. In addition, I spend a great deal of my time as a resource to pastors either in fiscal matters or in any way which I may be able to help them. I guess my greatest joy is being able to help a pastor in areas where they do not have the expertise.”

Prior to his service in the diocese, Mingarino, who earned both bachelor and master degrees in business administration from St. Joseph University, Philadelphia, served for more than 10 years as senior vice president at Emigrant Savings Bank, New York, and for more than 20 years as vice president and senior vice president at Meritor Savings Bank, Philadelphia. 

Reflecting on his extensive and varied background, Mingarino said, “I believe that my many years experience managing in a multi-discipline environment will serve me well in my dual role as chief administrative officer and chancellor.”

Mingarino also noted that one of his priorities as chancellor “will be to master the language of canon law which may be unique to some of the duties which I will be called upon to do. I also take very seriously my role as the ‘protector’ of diocesan records in accordance with civil and canon law as well as records of historical significance.”

Born in 1947, Mingarino and his wife, Rose, have three married daughters and nine grandchildren. They reside in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, where he is an active member of his parish community, serving on numerous committees and chairing a capital campaign to build new parish facilities. In 2002, Mingarino was named a recipient of the Bishop’s Medal for Meritorious Service to the Diocese of Camden.