Deacon Patrick Toole of Westport, a retired IBM executive, has been named Episcopal Delegate for Administration of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The appointment, made by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano and effective January 2, represents a new position similar to Chief Operating Officer in the business world. He will work directly with Bishop Caggiano and Msgr. Thomas Powers, diocesan vicar general.
“We have been blessed by many exceptionally talented deacons in our ranks who serve the Church while also leading successful careers,” said Bishop Caggiano. “As we move forward with change and renewal, Deacon Pat Toole brings the vision and experience to ensure the highest level of efficiency and responsiveness in diocesan services to schools, parishes and other diocesan institutions.”
In his new role, Deacon Toole will serve as administrative leader responsible for the oversight of diocesan departments including Human Resources, Technology Services, Safe Environments, Real Estate, Catholic Cemeteries, Strategic and Pastoral Planning and Communications.
Deacon Toole currently serves as deacon to St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in June 2011, and served at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield until going to St. Catherine’s in 2015. He also serves as an assistant master of ceremonies for Bishop Caggiano.
He is a professed member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) and serves as the spiritual assistant to the Mother of Sorrows OCDS community. Deacon Toole is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Deacon Toole officially retired from IBM on December 31 after serving as senior integration executive of The Weather Company, an IBM business. His appointment coincided with IBM’s acquisition of The Weather Company’s product and technology businesses in order to accelerate its Watson business strategy.
After joining IBM in 1984, he held a variety of executive and management positions, including the global chief information officer, general manager of technical support services and general manager of intellectual property.
Deacon Toole holds a master’s degree in business administration from Queens University of Charlotte, N.C. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and serves on the university’s College of Engineering advisory council.
His community commitments include service as chairman of the board for the Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University; vice chair of the board for Unshattered, an enterprise partner of Hoving Home program for women recovering from addiction; and a member of the board of directors of St. Joseph High School in Trumbull.
Deacon Toole and his wife, Lyndy, who serves as a music minister at St. Luke Parish in Westport, are the parents of five grown children. They have two grandchildren.
Article by Brian Wallace
