Fitzgerald graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of English degree in 1970, and earned a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law in Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1973.[4] He served as a judicial clerk in the Court of Common Pleas in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, from 1973 to 1975, and then worked in private practice.[1]
On May 17, 1980, Fitzgerald was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Cardinal John Krol.[5] After his ordination, Fitzgerald's first assignment was as a parochial vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, remaining there for one year.[4] He then served at St. Callistus Parish in Philadelphia from 1981 to 1982.[3] In 1982, Fitzgerald was appointed the defender of the bond, then in 1983 a judge on the metropolitan tribunal.[3] During his four-year tenure on the tribunal, he lived at Immaculate Conception Parish in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia.[4]
From 2004 to 2007, Fitzgerald was vice-rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.[4] As vice-rector, he also served as chairman of the Admissions Committee.[2] He became judicial vicar of the archdiocese in 2007, holding that office until 2010.[3] During his three-year tenure, he lived at St. Patrick's Parish in Philadelphia.[4] He also served as a member of the college of consultors, the priests personnel board, and the priests' counsel. He was also a chaplain to the Serra Club of Philadelphia and to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters community in the archdiocese.[4]
On May 24, 2023, Pope Francis accepted Fitzgerald's resignation as auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, his having reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.[7]
References
^ abcdChicoine, Christie L. (2004-07-15). "Serra chaplain of year follows love of God, law". The Catholic Standard & Times.