Andrea Bell to Direct Parish Service Office
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has named Andrea Bell director of the Office for Parish Service and Support, effective November 9, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez appointed Andrea Bell as director of the Office for Parish Service and Support in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The appointment takes effect November 9, 2026.
Why it matters
Bell has served nearly 35 years in the archdiocese and has extensive experience in parish financial operations, which the archdiocese cites as preparation for leading the office. The office works with parish staff and financial representatives across the archdiocese.
Bell has served nearly 35 years in the archdiocese, starting as an internal staff auditor in 1992 and advancing to senior parish service specialist from 2012 to 2023. She became assistant director of the office in 2023 and her appointment as director takes effect November 9, 2026.
The players
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez leads the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and made the appointment of Andrea Bell.
Andrea Bell
Andrea Bell is a longtime Archdiocese of Philadelphia staff member who has spent nearly 35 years in parish service and financial operations.
Father Eric J. Banecker
Father Eric J. Banecker serves as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The details
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez made the appointment, which was announced by Father Eric J. Banecker, vicar general and moderator of the curia. Bell holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Holy Family University and a Certification in Church Management from Villanova University.
Timeline
1992: Bell begins her archdiocesan career as an internal staff auditor.
2012 to 2023: Bell serves as senior parish service specialist.
2023: Bell becomes assistant director of the Office for Parish Service and Support.
November 9, 2026: Bell's appointment as director takes effect.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows a pattern of internal promotion within the Office for Parish Service and Support, where Bell advanced from senior parish service specialist to assistant director before becoming director. The move keeps leadership continuity within the archdiocese's existing parish support structure.
Parishioners and parish staff in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will work with a new office director beginning November 9, 2026. Parish financial representatives will have a new point of contact for the office's services.
The takeaway
Leadership changes in long-established church offices often reflect internal career paths, and Bell's rise through the Office for Parish Service and Support illustrates that pattern. Readers tracking archdiocesan operations can watch how the office's priorities develop under her direction.
Further reading
For more on Philadelphia leadership appointments, see People coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CatholicPhilly.
