Bishop Robert P. Deeley has named Fr. Joseph E. Daniels, current pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Farmington and St. Rose of Lima Parish in Jay, as the interim director of the diaconate for the Diocese of Portland, effective immediately. Fr. Daniels will remain the pastor of the two parishes while he temporarily oversees the diaconate program. Bishop Deeley expects to name a new director of the diaconate after a period of consultation and discussion with advisors.

In October 2014, Monsignor Charles M. Murphy announced his retirement as the director of the diaconate in order to pursue other interests and devote himself to writing a new book.

Daniels has served as pastor of St. Joseph and St. Rose of Lima Parishes since August of 2014. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Daniels was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Joseph J. Gerry on August 23, 1990, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Boothbay Harbor.

Since his ordination, Daniels has served at parishes in Presque Isle, Lewiston, Bar Harbor, Bridgton, Fryeburg, and as pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville.

Daniels has also served as a chaplain for Maine Medical Center and Saint Joseph College. In 2003, Daniels received the Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Since 2007, he has been a facilitator for the deacon candidates in their academic formation through Loyola University New Orleans.