The priest succeeds Fr. Paul Check, who had served as executive director since 2008.
"Fr. Bochanski already has much experience in the work of this vital apostolate and I have every confidence that he will give great service in the years ahead," Fr. Check said.
Fr. Check himself succeeded Fr. Harvey in 2008. Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport, Conn. recently named him as the rector of St. John Fisher Seminary Residence in Stamford. Fr. Check will serve on the Courage board of directors.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia released Fr. Bochanski to take on his new role.
"There's no better way of showing my support than releasing one of our finest priests, Fr. Philip Bochanski - a perfect candidate to take Fr. Check's place," Archbishop Chaput said.
Fr. Bochanski said he is conscious of how questions of homosexuality and sexual identity have become an important issue both in the Church society.
"I will be looking for opportunities to participate in these discussions," he said.
"Although secular cultural and moral norms seem to be shifting more rapidly than ever before, the truth of the Faith does not change."
He advised Catholics to make sure they are well-informed about what the Church teaches and look for ways to "speak the truth in love." They should "share the good news that living chastely and finding our true identity as sons and daughters of God is the way to real happiness and authentic relationships."
The Courage apostolate's leadership will be In Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 9-11 for its "Truth and Love" conference for clergy, religious and laity involved in pastoral care.
The Courage website is https://couragerc.org.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.