Archbishop installs Father Kennedy as 11th pastor and rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral

By Mary Powers

The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption was filled with excitement and joy as the parish welcomed its new rector and pastor, Father Kevin Kennedy. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone installed Father Kennedy on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, at the 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Raised in San Mateo and a graduate of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Belmont and St. Junipero Serra High School, Father Kevin Kennedy was ordained in 1999 and is also the pastor at Our Lady of Fatima Byzantine Church in San Francisco. He attended the University of San Francisco and later graduated from Santa Clara University while he was a seminarian within the Discalced Carmelite Order.

Before entering the seminary, Father Kennedy spent a number of years in social service work, including at the St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco, focusing on issues of hunger, homelessness, mental illness and the rehabilitation of delinquent youth.

As part of the rite of installation, Father Patrick Summerhays read Archbishop Cordileone’s appointment letter, and Father Kennedy was greeted by the staff and leadership of the parish.

Speaking of the importance of living a life of virtue, Archbishop Cordileone noted the importance of pastors and priests in walking with their parishioners in their spiritual journey. This begins with the bishop appointing faithful pastors who shepherd their parishes, Archbishop Cordileone explained.  

“It is my great pleasure to have this occasion to preside over this ceremony while Father Kennedy officially assumes the office of pastor of this Cathedral parish,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “I have great confidence in him, and I am very pleased with his acceptance of this appointment.”

In his remarks, Father Kennedy thanked the Archbishop for his leadership and welcomed his family and those present for the celebration.

“I am deeply humbled to be assuming this position, this ministry,” said Father Kennedy. “I am reminded of being ordained a priest here in 1999….I am profoundly grateful to all of you for your support, prayers and encouragement. I promise you that I will serve you with all of my strength and ability, which is in my weakness at times is the strength of Christ himself.”