WILMINGTON, DE — The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington has appointed Deacon Patrick Stokely, M.A., as Executive Director of Catholic Charities, placing a seasoned leadership formation expert at the helm of one of the region’s largest faith-based social service organizations.
The Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington, announced the appointment, which takes effect immediately. Deacon Stokely had served as Interim Executive Director since September 2025, overseeing both strategic direction and daily operations of Catholic Charities across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“With over 25 years of experience facilitating and developing leadership formation programs for Catholic clergy, lay leaders, and business professionals, Deacon Stokely brings a deep understanding of the needs of non-profit organizations to his new role,” the Diocese said in announcing the move.
Prior to his interim leadership, Stokely worked as Senior Program Manager for Leadership Roundtable, partnering with bishops and diocesan leadership teams to align strategic vision with ministry execution. He also served as a Learning Leader for Catholic Leadership Institute, guiding clergy and lay leaders in parish development and integrating organizational management principles into priestly mission and identity.
Bishop Koenig praised the appointment.
“We are very excited to officially bring Deacon Stokely on board to lead Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington,” Koenig said. “The work of Catholic Charities remains invaluable to the people of the Diocese of Wilmington both in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and I am certain Deacon Stokely’s many years of forming leaders in the Church and helping parishes and dioceses do their best work through servant leadership in promoting the Church’s mission will make him a vital addition to the Catholic Charities team as they work to be the face of Christ to those who rely on our numerous Catholic Charities programs.”
Stokely said he accepts the role with humility and a commitment to service.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to accept the role of Executive Director for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington,” he said. “As a Permanent Deacon, I have been ordained to serve at the intersection of liturgy and charity, proclaiming the Gospel through the diaconal charism of Christ the Servant. I look forward to leading this ministry with the same spirit of humble, compassionate service to our brothers and sisters who are most in need throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.”
Stokely holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Cabrini University and a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He also serves as an adjunct professor of theology at Immaculata University and is an award-winning editor of two books, “A Seminarian’s Toolbox Preparing for Parish Leadership” and “La Caja de Herramientas Para Lideres Pastorales.”
Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Diocese of Wilmington, has operated for more than 190 years, providing emergency food and energy assistance, housing services, counseling and other support to tens of thousands of individuals and families annually. More information is available at ccwilm.org and cdow.org.
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