Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Installed as Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians

“I’m excited to walk with our friars as we continue to serve our community in our apostolates. Our future as a Province and as an Order is bright because our foundation is strong.”
- Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A.

The Midwest Augustinians have entered a new chapter of leadership with the installation of Very Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A., as Prior Provincial of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

Installed during the Province's Ordinary Provincial Chapter at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago on June 10, 2026, Fr. Tom now assumes responsibility for leading the Augustinian friars serving throughout the Midwestern United States, Canada, and the Vicariate of Chulucanas in northern Peru.

His Provincial term will continue until 2030.

A lifelong Augustinian and proud son of Chicago's South Side, Fr. Tom brings more than three decades of experience in education, parish ministry, vocations, administration, and leadership.

A graduate of St. Adrian School and St. Rita of Cascia High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Villanova University and a master's degree in Educational Administration from Lewis University before completing his Master of Divinity at Catholic Theological Union.

Since entering the Augustinian Order in 1983, Fr. Tom has served in a wide variety of ministries. He taught theology at Providence Catholic High School and devoted 21 years to St. Rita of Cascia High School, where he served as teacher, campus minister, principal, president, and chairman of the Board of Directors. His ministry has also included service at Villanova University, the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in Rome, and Marylake Shrine in Ontario, Canada, where Pope Francis named him a Missionary of Mercy in 2018.

“I’m excited to walk with our friars as we continue to serve our community in our apostolates,” said Fr. Tom. “Our future as a Province and as an Order is bright because our foundation is strong.”

Perhaps best known throughout the Province for his work promoting vocations, Fr. Tom has spent nearly two decades accompanying young men discerning religious life. His joyful, approachable style has introduced countless people to the Augustinian charism of community, friendship, and the restless search for God.

Earlier this year, Fr. Tom was also honored as Grand Marshal of Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade, recognizing both his Irish heritage and his longstanding service to the Church and the city.

As Prior Provincial, Fr. Tom now begins a four-year term guiding the Province's ministries, communities, and apostolic works. Building upon the legacy of his predecessors including Fr. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., who he succeeds, Fr. Tom will help lead the Midwest Augustinians as they continue to proclaim the Gospel, create communities, and serve all of God’s people.

Fr. Tom's appointed Province Counselors include the following friars: Fr. Ray J. Flores, O.S.A., Fr. Francis P. Galvan, O.S.A., Fr. Samuel J. Joutras, O.S.A., Fr. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A., Br. David J. Relstab, O.S.A., and Fr. Jack B. Tierney, O.S.A.

The new Province Treasurer is Fr. Homero Sánchez, O.S.A., and the Province Secretary remains Br. Nicholas J. Mullarkey, O.S.A., and Province Archivist remains Br. Thomas Taylor, O.S.A.

Fr. Tom will continue to lead Parish Missions across the United States - more information is available on his website, www.FrTomMcCarthy.com

Our prayers are with Fr. Tom as he takes on this new role of service and leadership for the Province! Please join us in congratulating and praying for Fr. Tom.