Raymond Kupke

Rev. Msgr. Raymond Kupke, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor of Church History at the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University. A Catholic priest ordained in 1973 and named a Monsignor in 1998, he specializes in institutional and regional Catholic history, with a focus on the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey.

• Education: Ph.D. (1995) and M.A. (1986) in Church History from The Catholic University of America; M.Div. from Immaculate Conception Seminary (1976); B.A. from Seton Hall University (1969).

Research Interests span the evolution of American Catholic institutions, the Medieval and Counter-Reformation Church, and Vatican II's impact on lay participation. His work often intersects with archival studies and regional religious sociology.

Publications highlight diocesan historiography (e.g., Living Stones), liturgical traditions (e.g., American Catholic Preaching), and collaborative theological scholarship (e.g., Building the Church in America), emphasizing interdisciplinary methodologies in ecclesiastical documentation and cultural analysis.

Awards & Scholarships:

• 1983 Church History Scholarship, Catholic University
• 1988-1991 Catholic Daughters of the Americas Scholarship
• 1991 Thomas Shahan Prize in Church History

Current roles include Archivist of the Paterson Diocese (since 1976), member of the Theological Commission, and contributor to The Beacon newspaper. Previously served as Pastor (1977-2011), Parochial Vicar, Vice Chancellor, and educator in parish programs.