priest assignments july 2023

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Here’s a list of all the new priest assignments for the Archdiocese of Denver, including pastor and parochial vicar reassignments, parish administrators, chaplains and retirements. These appointments are effective July 1, 2023, unless noted otherwise.

Pastors Renewed for an Additional Six Years (or one year) at the Same Parish

Fr. Matthew Book, Light of the World in Littleton

Fr. Daniel Cardo, S.C.V., Holy Name in Englewood

Fr. Warli de Araujo Castro, Holy Cross in Thornton

Msgr. Jorge de los Santos, Our Lady Mother of the Church in Commerce City

Fr. James E. Fox, Good Shepherd in Denver (one year)

Fr. Simon Kalonga, St. Joseph & Holy Family in Fort Collins

Fr. Terrence Kissell, St. Michael the Archangel in Aurora (one year)

Fr. John Paul Leyba, St. Frances of Cabrini in Littleton

Fr. Humberto Marquez, St. John the Baptist in Longmont

Fr. Sean McGrath, Shrine of St. Anne in Arvada

Fr. Herman Joseph Nsubuga Jjuuko, St. Anthony of Padua in Julesburg

Fr. Jerome Rohr, St. Patrick in Holyoke, Christ the King in Haxtun and St. Peter the Apostle in Fleming

Fr. Joseph Tran, St. Joseph in Golden

Pastors Changing Parishes and New Pastor Assignments for Six Years:

Fr. Israel Perez-Lopez, Presentation of Our Lady in Denver

Fr. Joseph McLagan, St. Mary Magdalene in Denver, in addition to being Pastor at St. Bernadette in Lakewood

Fr. Julio César Amezcua Martín, St. Augustine in Brighton (effective May 5, 2023)

Fr. Matthew Magee, St. Stephen, Protomartyr in Glenwood Springs

Fr. Francis Thérèse Krautter, C.S.J., St. Ignatius of Loyola in Denver

Fr. Joseph Grady, St. Mary in Aspen and Snowmass Chapel in Snowmass Village

Fr. Philip Binh Tran, C.R.M., Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs in Wheat Ridge (effective July 8, 2023)

Parochial Vicars

Fr. Juan Adrian Hernandez Dominguez, St. Cajetan Parish in Denver

Fr. Arokiaraj Adaikaladoss, H.G.N., St. Joseph in Fort Collins

Fr. Isidore Orjikwe, Our Lady of the Valley in Windsor

Fr. John Mrozek, Our Lady of Fatima in Lakewood

Fr. Ireneusz Kuźmicki, St. Clare of Assisi in Edwards

Fr. Nailon Joshua Nyoni, St. Augustine in Brighton (effective April 20, 2023)

Fr. Juan Sebastian Splawinski, Ascension in Denver

Fr. Tomasz Surma, Holy Name in Steamboat

Fr. Peter Srsich, St. Thomas Aquinas in Boulder

Fr. Reinaldo Rojas, St. Mary in Rifle

Fr. John Ezratty, M.C., St. Bernadette in Lakewood and St. Mary Magdalene in Denver

Fr. Guillermo Bustillos, St. John the Baptist in Longmont

Fr. John Thérèse Creus, C.S.J., St. Ignatius of Loyola in Denver

Fr. Martin Latiff, M.C., Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Denver

Fr. Kevin Kasel, Our Lady of Loreto in Foxfield

Fr. Anthony Duc Huan Phan, Light of the World in Littleton

Fr. Patricio Xavier Chuquimarca Picuji, St. John the Baptist in Johnstown

Other Assignments/Departures

Fr. John Stapleton, Chaplain at Holy Family High School in Broomfield. He will reside at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Denver.

Fr. Christian J. Mast, Chaplain at Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver. He will reside at the Companions of Christ House in Denver.

Fr. James Claver, S.C.J., is reassigned as Chaplain at the Augustine Institute in Greenwood Village

Fr. Douglas Grandon is reassigned as National Chaplain for FOCUS

Fr. Braden Wagner is reassigned as Formator, St. John Vianney Seminary

Fr. Miguel Soubrier, Jail Ministry, effective April 1, 2023. He is in residence at Light of the World Parish in Littleton.

Fr. Dirk Dunfee, S.J., departs St. Ignatius of Loyola in Denver.

Fr. Patrick Quinn, S.J., departs St. Ignatius of Loyola in Denver.

Fr. Darrick Leier departs St. Mary in Aspen for the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota.

Fr. Szymon Czuwara departs St. Francis of Assisi in Longmont for the Archdiocese of Lublin, Poland.

Fr. Bonaventure Cai My Loc, C.R.M., departs Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs in Wheat Ridge  to be assigned as Pastor at another Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer parish.

Retirements

Fr. Edward Poehlmann

Fr. Elbert Chilson

Fr. Joseph Hartmann

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News and Events

News releases, cardinal blase j. cupich to ordain five priests for the archdiocese of chicago on saturday, may 20, 2023 at holy name cathedral.

Chicago, (May 17, 2023) – Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will ordain five priests for the Archdiocese of Chicago at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St., Chicago. The newly ordained priests, ranging in age from 30 to 35, hail from Barrington, Burr Ridge, Crystal Lake, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The ordination will be livestreamed on the archdiocese’s YouTube channel Catholic Chicago https://www.youtube.com/live/M-wVjJnBL0Q?feature=share .

“The Church in every age, and even more in our own, needs leaders who can inspire hope and bring Jesus’ message of mercy and compassion to the diverse communities of the archdiocese,” said Cardinal Cupich. “These fine young men are being ordained to serve the People of God and we look forward to see how their ministry unfolds in the years to come.”

Men become priests through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a celebration rich in symbolism and tradition. By ordination, priests receive a wide variety of responsibilities, particularly celebrating the Mass and granting forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests also preach the Gospel, and celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Diocesan priests make promises of life-long celibacy, prayer for the People of God, and obedience to their bishop at their ordination. It is also expected that priests will lead a life of simplicity consistent with the people they serve.

Each newly ordained priest has completed at least six years of human, spiritual, academic and pastoral formation, which included an exhaustive study of philosophy, Catholic theology, the history of the Church, and pastoral practice. As part of their seminary education, future priests are assigned to work at parishes, schools, and hospitals as they develop their capacity to be shepherds of God’s people.

"This year's ordinandi bring a wealth of prior life experience drawn from a broad range of backgrounds, such as social work, finance, teaching, and engineering but what they share is a priestly formation that has prepared them to be men of prayer, teaching and service for the people of God and God's Church,” said Very Reverend John Kartje, rector/president of University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. “By the grace of God, their gifts will be a blessing to the archdiocese as we continue to journey together into the new reality of Renew My Church - which is not all that different from the ‘original new reality’ seen in the Acts of the Apostles.”

Kevin Gregus , 35, from Crystal Lake, will have his first assignment at Two Holy Martyrs Parish in Chicago. He will celebrate his first Mass on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake.

Daniel Korenchan , 30, from Burr Ridge, will have his first assignment at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills. He will celebrate his first Masses on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights and on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs.           

Michael Mehringer , 33, from Barrington, will have his first assginment at Queen of Apostles Parish in Chicago. He will celebrate his first Mass on Sunday, May 21 at 9 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish in Chicago.

Francisco Javier Pagán Portalatín , 34, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will have his first assignment at San José Sánchez del Río Parish in Chicago. He will celebrate his first Mass in English on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park. He will celebrate his first Mass in Spanish at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 27 at Santa Gema Galgani Sanctuary (Shrine of St. Gemma) in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Jesús Raya Custodio , 34, from Chicago, will have his first assignment at St. Alphonsus Parish in Chicago. He will celebrate his first Mass in English and Spanish on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Nazareth Parish in Chicago.

Assignment changes for priests and deacons beginning July 1

By Anne Marie Amacher The Catholic Messenger

Sixteen priests and four deacons will see assignment changes beginning July 1 when four priests are retiring and one religious order priest is moving out of the Diocese of Davenport, Bishop Thomas Zinkula announced.

Retirements

Father Anthony Herold , 69, will retire. The Fort Madison native graduated from Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) and St. Ambrose College in Davenport. He completed his theology studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Bishop Gerald O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood July 14, 1979 at St. Mary Church-Fort Madison. Father Herold served at St. Paul Parish-Burlington, St. Mary Parish-Clinton and as spiritual director, diocesan vocations director and rector of the former St. Ambrose Seminary-Davenport. He served at St. Mary Parish-Iowa City, St. Patrick Parish-Ottumwa, St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield and St. Mary of the Visitation Parish-Ottumwa and in pastoral management for corporate affairs at St. Aloysius Parish-Eldon. He served at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton, Immaculate Conception Parish-Petersville, Ss. John & Paul Parish-Burlington, St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport and as diocesan vicar general. He currently serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish-Newton and dean of the Grinnell Deanery.

Father Timothy Regan , 73, will retire. A Wisconsin native, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed theology studies at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood May 30, 1991 at St. Anthony Church-Knoxville. Father Regan served at University Hospitals in Iowa City, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf, Holy Trinity Parish-Keota, Sacred Heart Parish-Lost Nation, St. James Parish-Toronto and Sacred Heart Parish-Oxford Junction. He served as priest chaplain at Genesis Health System in Davenport and at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport. He currently serves as a chaplain at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Father David Wilkening , 74, will retire. The Sigourney native graduated from the University of Northern Iowa-Cedar Falls and completed his theology studies at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood June 9, 1979 at St. Mary Church-Sigourney. Father Wilkening served at Sacred Heart Parish-Clinton, St. Mary Parish-Iowa City, St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield, and St. Aloysius Parish-Eldon. He also served at St. Joseph Parish-What Cheer, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Keswick, St. Joseph Parish-North English, St. Mary Parish-West Point and St. Boniface Parish-Farmington. He also served at St. Mary Parish-Solon, Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose. Currently, he is pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Marengo, St. Joseph Parish-North English and St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg.

Father Stephen Witt , 74, will retire. The Clinton native graduated from St. Ambrose College-Davenport and the University of Iowa. He married Patricia Finkenhoefer in 1974 and was in the workforce for 45 years. Ordained to the diaconate in 1982, he served parishes in Clinton before moving to Grinnell and serving at St. Mary Parish. After his wife’s death in 2001, he discerned a call to the priesthood. He completed theology studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology-Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Bishop Martin Amos ordained him to the priesthood Dec. 15, 2012 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Witt currently serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Iowa City and has served that parish and the Newman Catholic Student Center-Iowa City in various roles.

Assignment changes

Father James Betzen, C.PP.S , 69, is being reassigned outside of the Davenport Diocese by his community, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Father Betzen currently serves at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish-Ottumwa.

Father Gary Beckman , 64, will become pastor of Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose. The Burlington native studied at Southeastern Community College-Burlington, Western Illinois University-Macomb, Illinois, and graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in criminal justice. He worked in law enforcement before studying theology at St. Paul Seminary-St. Paul, Minnesota, and completed theology studies at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary-St. Louis. Bishop William Franklin ordained him to the priesthood June 4, 1995 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf, Holy Family Parish-Davenport, Assumption & St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek and St. Joseph Parish-DeWitt. He also served at St. John the Baptist Parish-Houghton and St. James Parish-St. Paul. He currently serves as pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City and St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch.

Father James Flattery , 33, will become pastor of St. Mary Parish-Tipton, St. Mary Parish-Mechanicsville and St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch. The Colfax native graduated from AIB College of Business-Des Moines and went to work for Target Corp. in Altoona and Ankeny. He graduated from Conception Seminary-Conception, Missouri, and completed his theology studies at University of St. Mary of the Lake–Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. Bishop Thomas Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 6, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church-Colfax. Father Flattery currently serves at Divine Mercy Parish-Burlington/West Burlington and St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville.

Father Scott Foley , 38, will remain as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Grinnell and add the assignment of pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Brooklyn. The Williamsburg native graduated from the University of Iowa with a BSE in civil engineering and a minor in business. He completed his theology studies at the Pontifical North American College-Rome. He worked as an engineer before entering the seminary. He also served as an English teacher at Mokpo Catholic University in Mokpo, South Korea, and worked with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. Bishop Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 1, 2019 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Foley has served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and Assumption High School-Davenport. He currently serves as pastor of the Grinnell parish.

Father Marty Goetz , 54, will become pastor at Sacred Heart Parish-Newton. The Keokuk native attended Southeastern Community College and St. Ambrose University. He completed theology studies at Mundelein Seminary-St. Mary of the Lake. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood May 29, 1992 at All Saints Church-Keokuk. Father Goetz served at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton. After a leave of absence, he returned to active ministry in 2001. He also served at Holy Trinity Parish-Keota, St. Mary Parish-Sigourney and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Keswick and as diocesan director of vocations. He also served at Holy Trinity Parish-Richmond, St. Mary Parish-Riverside and St. Joseph Parish-Wellman. He currently serves as pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, formed by the merger of Ss. John & Paul Parish-Burlington and Ss. Mary & Patrick Parish-West Burlington. He also serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville.

Father Jacob Greiner , 41, will become pastor of Divine Mercy Parish-Burlington/West Burlington and St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville and continue as diocesan director of seminarians and of vocations. The Keota native graduated from the University of Notre Dame and completed theology studies at St. Paul Seminary-St. Paul. Bishop Amos ordained him to the priesthood May 25, 2013 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Greiner served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine, St. Anthony Parish-Knoxville, Sacred Heart Parish-Melcher and priest moderator of St. Andrew Parish-Blue Grass. He currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport.

Father Patrick Hilgendorf , 53, will become pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport. The Clinton native graduated from Mount St. Clare College-Clinton, St. Ambrose University-Davenport and completed his theology studies at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Bishop Franklin ordained him to the priesthood May 17, 1997 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Hilgendorf has served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport, St. Patrick and St. Wenceslaus parishes in Iowa City, Ss. John & Paul Parish-Burlington and Ss. Mary & Patrick Parish-West Burlington. He currently serves as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Ottumwa and St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield.

Father John Lamansky , 32, will serve as pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City with ministry to the Hispanic community at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City. A Fairfield-area native, he graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, completed advanced studies at Mundelein Seminary, and completed theology studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas-Rome. Bishop Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 30, 2018 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Lamansky served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf and currently serves as parochial vicar of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton and chaplain of Prince of Peace Catholic School.

Father Robert Lathrop , 64, while remaining pastor of Holy Trinity Parish-Keota and St. Mary Parish-Sigourney, and administrator of Ss. Joseph and Cabrini Parish-Richland, will add duties as pastor of St. Joseph Parish-North English. Born in Orlando, Florida, he moved around the country as his father served in the military. Father Lathrop served in the military from 1977-1995 and took early retirement to pursue undergraduate studies. He graduated from St. Ambrose University and completed theology studies at Mundelein Seminary. Bishop Franklin ordained him to the priesthood June 9, 2001 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Lathrop served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and All Saints Parish-Keokuk. He also served at St. Joseph Parish-Montrose, St. Patrick Parish-Georgetown, St. Peter Parish-Lovilia, St. Patrick Parish-Melrose and All Saints Parish-Keokuk. He currently serves as pastor of the Keota and Sigourney parishes and as administrator in Richland.

Father Khoa Le , 40, will become parochial vicar at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton. Father Le, a native of Vietnam, graduated from the University of Hue with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He studied for the priesthood at Major Seminary of Hue. Bishop Francis Xavier Le Van Hong ordained him to the priesthood June 12, 2015 at Phu Cam Cathedral in Vietnam. He later earned a master of pastoral theology degree from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He has served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine since arriving in the diocese in 2021.

Father Scott Lemaster , 66, while remaining as pastor at St. Bridget Parish-Victor, will be relieved as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Brooklyn and assigned as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Marengo. The Muscatine native graduated from St. Ambrose College, Aquinas Institute-St. Louis and studied theology at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville-Minnesota, and Aquinas Institute-St. Louis. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood June 22, 1985 at St. Mary Church-Muscatine. Father Lemaster has served at Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport, Sacred Heart Parish-Kinross, Holy Trinity Parish-Richmond, St. Joseph Parish-Wellman, St. Patrick Parish-Melrose, St. Patrick Parish-Georgetown and St. Peter Parish-Lovilia. He has also served at Assumption & St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek, Immaculate Conception Parish-Petersville and St. Patrick Parish-Delmar. He currently serves as pastor of the Brooklyn and Victor parishes.

Father Symphorien Lopoke , 54, will become pastor of St. Mary Parish-Iowa City where he currently serves as parochial vicar.

Father Dale Mallory , 31, while continuing to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish-Ottumwa, will also serve at St. Patrick Parish-Ottumwa and St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield. Born in Massachusetts, he graduated from the University of Iowa and worked several years before discerning a call to the priesthood. He completed theology studies at St. Paul Seminary School of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Bishop Zinkula ordained him to the priesthood June 4, 2022 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport. He assisted at St. Anthony Parish-Davenport and currently serves at St. Mary of the Visitation-Ottumwa.

Father Francis Mensah , 40, while remaining pastor of St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove, St. Mary Parish-Oxford and serving as defender of the bond for the diocesan marriage tribunal, will add duties as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg. He grew up in Ghana, Africa and earned degrees from St. Paul Seminary-Accra, and St. Peter Seminary-Cape Coast, the Pontifical Urbaniana University-Rome, Pontifical Gregorian University-Rome and Pontifical Lateran University-Rome. Bishop Matthias Kobina Nketsiah ordained him to the priesthood Sept. 25, 2010 in Cape Coast, Ghana. Father Mensah has served at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; a senior high school in Agona Swedru, Ghana; in radio evangelization in Ghana; and as a parochial collaborator at St. Barbara Parish in the Diocese of Rome. He came to the Davenport Diocese in 2022.

Father Richard Okumu , 66, will serve as a senior priest at St. Thomas More Parish-Coralville and St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City. Born in Uganda, East Africa, he attended Katigando National Major Seminary and earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He also studied at Cambridge University in England and did theology studies at Gregorian University in Rome. Bishop O’Keefe ordained him to the priesthood Aug. 8, 1981 at Sacred Heart Church-Newton. Father Okumu served at Assumption High School-Davenport, St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City, Sacred Heart Parish-Kinross, Holy Trinity Parish-Richmond and St. Joseph Parish-Wellman. After a leave of absence for studies, he served at St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove, St. Michael Parish-Holbrook, St. Bridget Parish-Victor, St. Patrick Parish in Brooklyn and Church of the Visitation Parish in Camanche. He currently serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish-Mechanicsville and St. Mary Parish-Tipton.

Father David Paintsil , 44, recently arrived in the Davenport Diocese and will become parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish-Iowa City. A native of Africa, he attended St. Peter Regional Seminary at Cape Coast, Ghana, did theological studies at the Pontifical Urbaniana University-Rome and advanced studies at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Cardinal Peter Turkson ordained him to the priesthood Nov. 12, 2005 at St. Francis Cathedral at Cape Coast. Father Paintsil has served at Mary, Queen of Peace, St. Edward and Immaculate Conception of Mary Grotto parishes, all in Cape Coast.

Father Joseph Phung , 65, will become pastor at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City. Born in Vietnam, he began theology studies there before his school closed. He immigrated to the United States in 1993 and studied at St. Ambrose University. He completed his theology studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Bishop Franklin ordained him to the priesthood June 24, 2000 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Phung served at St. Mary Parish-Iowa City, Sacred Heart Cathedral-Davenport, where he also served the Vietnamese Catholic community, and St. Alphonsus Parish-Mount Pleasant. He currently serves as pastor of Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose.

Father Joseph Sia , 48, will become pastor of St. Patrick Parish and St. Mary parishes in Ottumwa and St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield. Born in Manila, Philippines, he earned a BS in basic medical sciences and a doctor of medicine from the University of Philippines. Before entering the priesthood, he was a university research associate at the Institute of Human Genetics, University of the Philippines. He served as a graduate research assistant at the University of Iowa before completing theology studies at Mundelein Seminary. Bishop Amos ordained him to the priesthood May 10, 2008 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Sia served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine; St. Joseph Parish-Columbus Junction, St. Joseph Parish-West Liberty and as the diocesan director of vocations. He also served at St. Mary Parish-Davenport and as minister to the Hispanic community there, and at St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch. Currently he serves as pastor of St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City and as diocesan director of recently ordained.

Deacon Christopher Kabat , while remaining at St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City, is relieved of duties at St. Bernadette Parish-West Branch.

Deacon David Montgomery , while remaining at St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish-Oxford, will also serve St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg.

Deacon John Osborne , while remaining at St. Mary Parish-Grinnell, will also serve St. Patrick Parish-Brooklyn.

Deacon Joseph Rohret , while remaining at St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish-Oxford, will also serve St. Mary Parish-Williamsburg.

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New LA Archdiocese parish leadership assignments for 2023

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has released its “New Pastors and Administrators” assignments for 2023. Archbishop José H. Gomez has approved the following priests to be appointed pastors, effective July 1, 2023.

Father Paul Prince Appiah-Kubi, S.V.D. , St. John the Evangelist Church, Los Angeles 

Father Jose Manuel Baeza , Our Lady of Peace Church, North Hills 

Father Rolando Clarin , St. Raphael Church, Goleta 

Father Joshua Diener , St. Anthony Church, Oxnard 

Father Julio Domenech , Mary Immaculate Church, Pacoima

Father Edwin Duyshart , St. Luke Church, Temple City

Father Altaire Fernandez , Queen of Angels Church, Lompoc 

Father Anthony Garcias , Holy Family Church, Glendale

Father Egren Gomez , Holy Cross Church, Santa Barbara 

Father Jose Rafael Lara , Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Guadalupe

Father Olin Mayfield , St. James the Less Church / Holy Redeemer Church, La Crescenta / Montrose

Father Eben MacDonald , Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Northridge 

Father R. Dario Miranda , St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Avalon 

Father Long Nguyen , St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, Lomita 

Father Truc Quant Nguyen , St. Maria Goretti Church, Long Beach

Father Ismael Robles , St. John the Baptist Church, Baldwin Park

Father Ryan Thornton , O.F.M., St. Mark University Church, Goleta

The following priests will be appointed or reappointed administrators: 

Father Miguel Acevedo , St. Paul Church, Los Angeles 

Father Sarfraz Alam, O.S.A. , Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, Los Angeles 

Father James Anguiano , St. Teresa of Avila Church, Los Angeles

Father Luis Estrada , Guardian Angel Church, Pacoima

Father Daniel Garcia , Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Downey

Father Danilo Manzano Guinto , St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, Encino 

Father Oscar Daniel Martinez Gutierrez , St. Rose of Lima Church, Maywood 

Father Alexander Hernandez , C.Ss.R., Our Lady of Victory Church, Los Angeles

Father Chan Lee , St. Paul of the Cross Church, La Mirada

Father Spencer Lewerenz , St. Anthony Church, San Gabriel 

Father Marlon Mateo , St. Clare of Assisi Church, Santa Clarita

Father Raymont Medina , St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Whittier 

Father Miguel Menjivar , St. Joseph Church, La Puente (Extern Priest) 

Father Michael Montoya, M.J. , Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Claremont 

Father Jose Maria Ortiz , La Purísima Concepción Church, Lompoc

Father Ramon Pons , St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fillmore 

Father Roberto Rueda , Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Los Angeles

Father Miguel Angel Ruiz , St. Agnes Church, Los Angeles 

Father German Sanchez , St. Sebastian Church, Los Angeles 

Father Jeejo Vazhappilly, Sch.P. , St. Bridget of Sweden Church, Lake Balboa 

Father Matthew Wheeler , Visitation Church, Los Angeles

Angelus Staff

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New Assignments

Effective March 6, 2023

• Reverend Gianluca Roso, MCCJ, Parochial Vicar of S12 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Family, St. Boniface, St. Joseph, St. Leo the Great, and St. Therese Little Flower, Cincinnati.

Effective April 1, 2023

• Reverend Jedidiah Tritle, Parochial Vicar of NE3 Family of Parishes which includes Mary, Help of Christians, Fairborn, Sacred Heart, New Carlisle, St. Augustine, Jamestown, St. Brigid, Xenia, St. Luke, Beavercreek and St. Paul, Yellow Springs.

Effective April 27, 2023

• Reverend Edward P. Smith, Pastor of SE4 Family of Parishes which includes St. Columban, and St. Margaret of York, Loveland.

Effective May 1, 2023

• Reverend Christopher J. Worland, Parochial Vicar of SE7 Family of Parishes which includes St. Andrew, Milford, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Milford, and St. Veronica, Mt. Carmel.

Effective June 1, 2023

• Reverend Luke (John) VanBerkum, O.P., Parochial Vicar of S13 Family of Parishes which includes St. Gertrude, Madeira.

Effective July 1, 2023

• Reverend Joseph Vijay Kumar Chinnabathini, Parochial Vicar of NE 4 Family of Parishes which includes Incarnation, Centerville and St. Francis of Assisi, Centerville.
• Reverend Anthony Fortman, C.PP.S., Pastor of NE-6 Family of Parishes which includes Emmanuel, Dayton, Holy Trinity, Dayton, Precious Blood, Dayton, St. Joseph, Dayton, St. Paul, Englewood and St. Rita, Dayton.
• Reverend James Gaynor, C.PP.S., Parochial Vicar of NE-6 Family of Parishes which includes Emmanuel, Dayton, Holy Trinity, Dayton, Precious Blood, Dayton, St. Joseph, Dayton, St. Paul, Englewood and St. Rita, Dayton.

Effective Fall of 2023

• Reverend Anthony Marcelli assigned to graduate studies in Rome at the Pontificia Università della Santa Croce.

Retirement from Active Ministry

• Reverend Robert Keller, Parochial Vicar of SW4, effective July 1, 2023.
• Reverend Terence Hamilton, Parochial Vicar of SW7, effective July 1, 2023.
• Reverend Mark Burger, Parochial Vicar of SW6, effective July 1, 2023.
• Reverend Barry Windholtz, Parochial Vicar of S8, effective July 1, 2023.
• Reverend Jeffrey Kemper, Parochial Vicar of SE7, effective July 1, 2023.
• Reverend Lawrence Tensi, Parochial Vicar of SE4, effective July 1, 2023.
• Reverend Thomas Bolte, Parochial Vicar of C1, effective July 1, 2023.

Recent News & Announcements

Media Release Concerning Marshall Hyzdu

Deacon William Mullaney

Media release from the archdiocese of cincinnati & moeller high school.

100 East Eighth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 USA (513) 421-3131

Summary of 2023 Priest Assignment Changes for the Diocese of Orange

Summary of Priests Assignment Changes

Bishop Vann is pleased to announce the following appointments, effective July 1, 2023

REV. JOSEPH LUAN NGUYEN From Pastor, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana To Pastor, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove

REV. MSGR. TUAN JOSEPH PHAM From Pastor, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove To Pastor, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Church, Anaheim Hills

REV. VINCENT HUNG PHAM From Director, Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana To Pastor, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach

VERY REV. DANIEL BRIAN READER From Chancellor and Director of Priests’ Personnel, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove To Pastor, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea

REV. QUAN DINH TRAN From Administrator, St. Hedwig Church, Los Alamitos To Pastor, St. Hedwig Church, Los Alamitos

PASTORS RENEWED OR EXTENDED: REV. BILL TUYEN CAO From Pastor, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim To Pastor Renewed, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim

REV. MSGR. DOUGLAS JAMES COOK From Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Newport Beach To Pastor Renewed, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Newport Beach

REV. EDWARD LEE POETTGEN From Pastor, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim To Pastor Renewed, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim

REV. MICHAEL M. PONTARELLI, O.S.M. From Pastor, St. Juliana Falconieri Church, Fullerton To Pastor Renewed, St. Juliana Falconieri Church, Fullerton ADMINISTRATORS/ DIRECTORS: REV. WAYNE ADAJAR From Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Church, Fountain Valley To Parochial Administrator, St. Pius V Church, Buena Park

REV. MARTIN PHUOC BUI From Parochial Vicar, St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods To Parochial Administrator, St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods

REV. ROBERT PETER CAPONE From Campus Minister, University of San Diego, San Diego To Parochial Administrator, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa

REV. WILLIAM BREWER GOLDIN From Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Huntington Bch. To Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Habra

REV. JOSEPH THAI NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana To Director, Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana

REV. MICHAEL DUC NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin To Parochial Administrator Pro-Tem, Santa Clara de Asís Church, Yorba Linda, Effective Feb. 1, 2023

_______________________________________________________

REV. STEVEN G. SALLOT From Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach

St. John Vianney Chapel remaining under the Administration of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Newport Beach ______________________________________________________

REV. LUÍS GERARDO SEGURA From Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton To Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana

REV. KIET ANH TA From Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas More Church, Irvine To Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana

PAROCHIAL VICARS: REV. SAÚL ALBA-INFANTE From Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton

REV. ERIALDO RAMÍREZ ALFARO From Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin To Parochial Vicar, St. Norbert Church, Orange

REV. RUDOLPH ALUMAM From Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange To Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana

REV. GABRIEL ATIDOO From Diocese of Navrongo–Bolgatanga, Ghana To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Newport Beach

REV. EDWARD GERARD BECKER From Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Habra To Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Ladera Ranch

VERY REV. ERNEST SCOTT BORGMAN From Judicial Vicar, Tribunal and Office of Canonical Services, Garden Grove and Formation Faculty, Mt. Angel Seminary, OR To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Church, San Clemente and Episcopal Vicar for Philanthropy

REV. NAM LINH DOAN From Parochial Vicar, St. Norbert Church, Orange To Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim

REV. HUMBERTO CRUZ FLORES, O.A.R. From Pastor, Guardian Angel Church, El Paso, Texas To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Church, Santa Ana, effective Feb. 1, 2023

REV. JAIMELITO GEALAN, SVD From Society of the Divine Word, Philippines, Southern Province To Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress

REV. RANDY GUILLEN From Parochial Administrator, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea To Parochial Vicar, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, SJC

REV. MANUEL LOPEZ From Parochial Vicar, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano To Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea

REV. PAW TUN LWIN From Pastor, St. Pius V Church, Buena Park To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach

REV. FRANCIS CHUNG KAY NG From Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea To Parochial Vicar, St. Timothy Church, Laguna Niguel

REV. JOSEPH DUNG NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar, Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana; Part-time Parochial Vicar, IHM Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana

REV. THANH-TAI PETER NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar Part-time, Christ Our Savior Church, Santa Ana and Parochial Vicar Part-time, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, Christ Our Savior Church, Santa Ana

REV. DAVID ALAN OTTO From Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Church, Fullerton To Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Huntington Beach

REV. HIEN VAN PHAM, S.V.D. From Society of the Divine Word, Riverside To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana

REV. TUAN VAN PHAM From Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo To Parochial Vicar, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove

REV. MARCO HERNANDEZ QUINTANILLA From Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point To Parochial Vicar, Santiago de Compostela Church, Lake Forest

REV. ARISTOTLE GEORGE QUAN From Parochial Vicar, San Francisco Solano Church, Rancho Santa Margarita To Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point

REV. JOSEPH VINCENT SQUILLACIOTI From Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point To Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Church, Fountain Valley REV. ARUNDAS THOMAS From Diocese of Quilon, India To Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Church, Fullerton

REV. CHARLES TRAN From Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Ladera Ranch To Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange

REV. HOA XUAN TRAN From Parochial Vicar, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach To Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin

REV. THOMAS HENRY TRAN From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach To Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas More Church, Irvine

REV. DANH NGOC TRINH From Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar Part-time, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Santa Ana; Remaining Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana

REV. MAURO TINOCO TRUJILLO From Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress To Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point

REV. ANTHONY HIEN VU From Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove

REV. MARTIN DUC ANH VU From Parochial Vicar, Santiago de Compostela Church, Lake Forest To Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin

REV. PAUL HOA VU From Parochial Vicar Part-time, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove To Parochial Vicar Part-time, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana Remaining Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Canonical Services, Garden Grove NEWLY ORDAINED: REV. IAN GASTON From Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, Oregon To Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress

REV. BENJAMIN MINH NGUYEN From St. John Seminary, Camarillo To Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo

REV. JESÚS DAVID MORENO-NORIEGA From St. John Seminary, Camarillo To Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove

IN RESIDENCE: REV. BRANDON LONG DANG From Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove In residence at San Francisco Solano Church, Rancho Santa Margarita; Remains Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove

SENIOR PRIESTS: REV. GEORGE PAUL BLAIS From Pastor, St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods To Senior Priest, St. Catherine of Siena Church, Laguna Beach and Chaplain for Retrouvaille

REV. MICHAEL PATRICK HANIFIN From Pastor, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa To Senior Priest, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa and Chaplain for Neo-Catechumenal Way

REV. JOSEPH BARCLAY KNERR From Pastor, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach To Senior Priest, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach REV. ALFRED STEPHEN BACA From Senior Priest, St. Anne Church, Seal Beach To Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove, effective February 27, 2023; R emaining Senior Priest, St. Anne Church, Seal Beach

REV. CHEEYOON TIMOTHY CHUN From Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange To Associate Director of Vocations Part-time, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove and Parochial Vicar Part-time, Holy Family Church, Orange

REV. JOHN EDGAR CARONAN, O.PRAEM. From Adjutant Judicial Vicar and Defender of the Bond, Tribunal and Office of Canonical Services, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove To Judicial Vicar, Tribunal and Office of Canonical Services, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove

REV. MICHAEL TUAN KHONG From Secretary to the Bishop and Master of Ceremonies, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove To Chancellor and Interim Director of Priests’ Personnel, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove; Remaining as Secretary to the Bishop and Master of Ceremonies.

REV. TIMOTHY JOHN DONOVAN From Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rancho Santa Margarita To Released to promote Evangelization and Faith Formation Programs nationwide. Private residence

REV. JOHN FRANCIS NENEMAN From Pastor, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Church, Anaheim Hills To “Ecclesiastical Coordinator,” Knights of Columbus Private residence

CHAPLAINCY: REV. ISABELO ABUAN, III, A.M. From Alagad ni Maria Religious Community, Philippines To Chaplain, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton

REV. WEIPING (FRANCIS) LI From Chaplain, CHOC Hospital, Orange To Chaplain, Chinese Catholic Community at St. Thomas More Church, Irvine; Remaining Chaplain at CHOC Hospital, Orange In residence at St. Norbert Church, Orange

REV. FLORANTE MOREN, A.M. From Chaplain, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton To Chaplain, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rancho Santa Margarita

REV. CHINNAPPAN MUDIYAPPAN, O.S.M. From Aikiya Annai Province of the Servites, India To Chaplain, Servite High School, Anaheim In residence at Servite Community of St. Philip Benizi, Links House, Buena Park.

REV. BENJAMIN PHILIP TRAN From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Church, San Clemente To Chaplain, University of California Irvine, Irvine In Residence at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Irvine

RETIRED: REV. JOHN LE VECKE From Leave of Absence To Retired Priest Status. In current residence Effective October 1, 2022

REV. KENNETH ALLEN SCHMIT From Parochial Administrator Extended, St. John Vianney Chapel, Balboa Island To Retired Priest Status. In private residence Effective June 30, 2023

LEAVE OF ABSENCE/SICK LEAVE: REV. FRED KEVIN BAILEY From Pastor, Santa Clara de Asis Church, Yorba Linda To Administrative Leave from ministry through June 30, 2024

REV. EFRAÍN FLORES From Senior Priest, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim To Sick Leave, effective Nov. 19, 2022 In residence at St. Anne Church, Santa Ana

RETURNING TO RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES: REV. THOMAS DEVINE, O.A.R. From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Church, Santa Ana To Order of Augustinian Recollects, Montebello, CA

REV. AARON GALVIZO, A.M. From Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress To Alagad ni Maria Religious Community, Diocese of Camden, New Jersey

REV. EVAN WILLIAM SIMINGTON From Parochial Administrator, St. John Henry Newman Church, Irvine, In-residence at St. Timothy Church, Lake Forest, CA To Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Outside diocese

REV. JOHN-FRANCIS TOAN VU, SJ From Chaplain, Campus Ministry, University of California Irvine, Irvine To Jesuits Western Province, Portland, Oregon

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Clergy Assignment Updates & Parochial Vicar Changes

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Summary of 2022 Priest Assignment Changes for the Diocese of Orange

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Priest Appointments effective July 1, 2023

April 14, 2023

Bishop Vetter Announces the following appointments involving the priests and parishes of the Diocese of Helena.

The Pastoral care for Living Water Mission, Seeley Lake, is transferred from St. Ann Parish, Bonner, to St. Thomas Parish, Helmville.

Father Jozef Perehubka – Administrator, St. Thomas Parish, Helmville, with St. Jude Mission, Lincoln, and Living Water Mission, Seeley Lake, with residence in Helmville, for a three-year term. [Formerly: Administrator, St. Ann Parish, Bonner, with Living Water Mission, Seeley Lake]

Father Pascal Kasanziki – Administrator of St. Ann Parish, Bonner, for a three-year term. Addition to his responsibilities as Pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Missoula.

Father Dan Shea – Resignation accepted as Sacramental Minister to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Helena, with Sacred Heart Mission, Wolf Creek, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Marysville. Senior Status/Retired

Deacon Steve Barry – Resignation accepted as Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Helena, with Sacred Heart Mission, Wolf Creek, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Marysville. Remains assigned as Deacon at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, with Sacred Heart Mission, Wolf Creek, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Marysville.

Father Bart Tolleson – Pastor, Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Helena, with Sacred Heart Mission in Wolf Creek, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Marysville, for a six-year term. Addition to responsibilities as Director of Deacons and Deacon Formation, Director of Clergy Formation. [Formerly: Parochial Vicar, Cathedral of St. Helena]

Monsignor Kevin O’Neill – Resignation accepted as Pastor/Rector, cathedral of St. Helena. Serves the cathedral Parish as Pastor/Rector Emeritus. (Remains Vicar General of the Diocese of Helena).

Father Marc Lenneman – Pastor/Rector, Cathedral of St. Helena, for a six-year term; Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization, for a five-year term. [Formerly: Chaplain, Carroll College; Chaplain, Legendary Lodge; Vocations Director for the Diocese of Helena]

Father Tyler Frohlich – Chaplain, carroll College, for a three-year term, with residence at the Cathedral Rectory; with Father Marc Lenneman serving as Mentor. Chaplain, Legendary Lodge, effective Summer Season 2023. [Formerly: Parochial Vicar, Christ the King Parish, Missoula]

Father Christopher Lebsock – Vocations Director for the Diocese of Helena in addition to his assignment as Pastor of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish, East Helena, with Our Lady of the Lake Mission, canyon Ferry, and St. John Mission Church, Clancy.

Father Matthew Christiaens – Administrator, St. Michael Parish, Conrad, and St. William Parish, Dutton, with Guardian Angel Mission in Power; with Monsignor Kevin O’Neill serving as Mentor. [Formerly: Parochial Vicar, Resurrection University Parish, Bozeman]

Father Kyle Tannehill (to be ordained June 23, 2023) – Parochial Vicar, Resurrection University Parish, Bozeman

Father Jeffrey Benusa – Pastor of St. William Parish, Thompson Falls, with Noxon Mission, and St. James Parish, Plains, with Sacred Heart Mission, Hot Springs, for a third six-year term.

Father Nicetas Msinge – Administrator, St. John Paul II Parish, Bigfork, with Our Lady of Swan Valley Mission, Condon, for a second three-year term.

Father Yovin Shayo – Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Choteau and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fairfield, with St. Matthias Mission, Augusta, for a second three-year term. Relieved of assignment as Administrator, St. Michael Parish, Conrad, and St. William Parish, Dutton, with Guardian Angel Mission, Power.

Father Pius X Harding, OSB -Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Libby, with Immaculate Conception Mission, Troy, and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Eureka, for one-year terms (renewable).

Father Tom Lankenau, SJ -Administrator, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Hamilton, with St. Philip Benizi Mission, Darby, for a one-year term (renewable).

Father Steve Lantry, SJ -Resignation accepted Parochial Vicar, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Missoula, St. Ignatius Mission Parish, St. Ignatius, with Sacred Heart Mission, Arlee, and St. John Berchmans Mission, Jocko, effective April 11, 2023.

Father Kevin Christofferson – Reinstated as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Polson, Sacred Heart Parish, Ronan, and St. Joseph Mission, Charlo.

Father Kirby Longo – Canonical Pastor of St. Philip Parish, Philipsburg, St. Michael Parish, Drummond, and St. Mary Mission, Gold Creek. Remains Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Missoula.

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New Clergy Assignments for May and July 2023

Assignments will help support the diocese’s regional approach to parish ministry

PRESS RELEASE

March 20, 2023

CONTACT: Justin Huyck, Director of Communications; (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; [email protected]

On the weekends of March 11/12 and March 18/19, The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, announced various clergy assignments for parishes throughout the six-county diocese. In the parishes that will be receiving new priests or deacons, letters were read from Bishop Bonnar. Most of the new assignments will take effect on July 1, 2023, with some taking effect in May.

Consistent with many current assignments throughout the diocese, the new assignments reflect the Diocese of Youngstown’s regional model for ministry, with priests, deacons, and diocesan pastoral associates serving multiple parishes. Bishop Bonnar comments, “Through the hard work of our personnel board, who I consult with on assignments, we continue to navigate the shortage of priests while desiring to support parishes as they live missionary discipleship in new ways. Just as importantly, this approach allows for a more vibrant experience of parish life as we share our strengths across parishes.”

One of the features of the diocese’s regional approach to ministry and personnel assignments is the grouping of parishes who share not only priests as pastors, parochial vicars, or sacramental ministers, but also deacons and, where applicable, diocesan pastoral associates assigned to the same grouping of parishes. A diocesan pastoral associate is a lay person or deacon assigned by the bishop to the leadership team for one or more parishes. The consistent assignment of clergy and diocesan pastoral associates allows for mutual support.

Below are the assignments made in March 2023. They are effective July 1, 2023 unless otherwise noted. Previous and future assignments can be found at www.doy.org/official/

Priests: Rev. Steve Agostino , from administrator of Saint Brendan Parish, and sacramental minister at Saint Christine Parish, Youngstown, to pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Saint Stephen Parish in Niles.

Very Rev. Michael D. Balash , from Pastor of Saint William Parish, Champion, to full-time ministry at the Central Office, remaining as Vicar for Clergy and Director of the Office of Worship, effective May 15, 2023, and remaining pro-tem Administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Niles, until July 1, 2023.

Rev. David Bridling , from administrator of Saint Mary Parish, Orwell and Sacred Heart Parish, Rock Creek, to pastor of Saint Patrick Parish and University Parish Newman Center in Kent.

Rev. Edward Brienz , from administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, McDonald, to vice-rector Saint Columba Cathedral and parochial vicar of Saint Edward Parish and Holy Apostles Parish in Youngstown, in addition to his current responsibility as Diocesan Director of Missions and Propagation of the Faith.

Rev. Thomas Cebula , from pro-tem administrator of Saint Louis Parish, Louisville, and Sacred Heart of Mary Parish, Harrisburg, to pro-tem administrator of Saints Philip and James Parish, Canal Fulton.

Rev. Christopher Cicero , as pastor of Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parish, Warren, in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Warren and chaplain of John F. Kennedy School (Lower Campus) effective May 1, 2023.

Rev. Shawn Conoboy , from pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora; Saint Joseph Parish, Mantua; and Saint Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville, to a ministerial assignment outside the Diocese effective May 1, 2023.

Rev. Ryan Furlong , as Pastor of Saint William Parish, Champion effective May 15, 2023, and Pastor of Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cortland, effective July 1, 2023, in addition to current responsibilities as Pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Vienna, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Chaplain at John F. Kennedy Catholic School, Warren (Upper Campus).

Rev. Matthew Humerickhouse , from parochial vicar of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish and Saint Luke Parish in Boardman, and chaplain at Cardinal Mooney High School, to pastor of Saint Louis Parish, Louisville; Sacred Heart Parish, Harrisburg; Saint James Parish, Waynesburg, and chaplain of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Louisville.

Rev. John Jerek , as pastor of Saint Brendan Parish, Youngstown, in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of Saint Christine Parish and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, in Youngstown and Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate.

Rev. Chad Johnson , from Parochial Vicar of Saint Patrick Parish, and University Parish Newman Center, Kent, to Parochial Vicar of Saint William Parish, Champion, Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cortland, and Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Vienna, in addition to current responsibilities as Diocesan Vocations Director.

Rev. Frantisek Katrinak , from pastor of Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parish, Warren, to pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora; Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro; Saint Joseph Parish, Mantua; and Saint Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville effective May 1, 2023.

Rev. Robert Lanterman , returning from leave of absence to Archives Clerk with residence at the Oblates Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hubbard effective April 17, 2023.

Rev. Chris Luoni , from pastor of Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro to sacramental minister for Portage County parishes with residence at Saint Joseph Parish, Mantua, effective May 1, 2023.

Rev. Michael Marcelli , returning from service as chaplain in the United States Navy to sacramental minister pro-tem at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Niles, (April 10-July 1, 2023), and then as parochial vicar at Saint Patrick Parish and University Parish Newman Center in Kent effective July 1, 2023.

Rev. Kevin McCaffrey , from pastor of Saints Philip and James Parish, Canal Fulton, to pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Orwell, and Sacred Heart Parish, Rock Creek.

Rev. Richard Murphy , from pastor of Saint Stephen Parish, Niles, to pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, McDonald, in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Mineral Ridge, and President of Ursuline High School.

Very Rev. Monsignor Robert Siffrin , from Vicar General to Diocesan Vicar of External Affairs/Special Projects and Pastor of Holy Apostles Parish, Youngstown, in addition to current responsibilities as Rector of Saint Columba Cathedral and Pastor of Saint Edward Parish, Youngstown.

Rev. Brian Smith , from Director of Hispanic Ministry and Coordinator of Continuing Education to graduate studies in Moral Theology at the Angelicum University, Rome effective September 1, 2023.

Rev. Edward Stafford , as parochial vicar of Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parish, Warren, in addition to his current responsibilities as parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Warren effective May 1, 2023.

Rev. Stephen Zeigler , from pastor of Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, New Middletown and sacramental minister at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Lowellville, to parochial vicar at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish and Saint Luke Parish in Boardman.

Rev. Matthew Zwilling , from vice-rector of Saint Columba Cathedral and parochial vicar of Saint Edward Parish, Youngstown, to administrator of Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, New Middletown, in addition to his current responsibilities as administrator of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Campbell, and online studies in Church Management at Villanova University.

Permanent Deacons:

Mr. Sylvester Frazzini III , to Holy Apostles Parish, Youngstown in addition to his current responsibilities at Saint Columba Cathedral and Saint Edward Parish, Youngstown.

Mr. Michael Hanshaw , to Saint Stephen Parish, Niles in addition to his current responsibilities at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Niles.

Mr. Ed Kleese , to Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parish, Warren in addition to his current responsibilities at Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Warren effective May 1, 2023.

Mr. Michael Puhalla , to Holy Apostles Parish, Youngstown in addition to his current responsibilities at Saint Columba Cathedral and Saint Edward Parish, Youngstown.

Mr. Robert Simmerly , to Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parish, Warren in addition to his current responsibilities at Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Warren, effective May 1, 2023.

Mr. Joseph Toth , to Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parish, Warren in addition to his current responsibilities at Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Warren, effective May 1, 2023.

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Wedding Anniversary Celebration Mass to be Held May 5 at Saint Columba Cathedral

107 couples from six counties are being honored for a total of 5,554 years of wedded life.

New Faith Learning Opportunities for Adults in the Diocese of Youngstown

Courses begin May 6th, center around the seven Catholic Epistles 

21 Teens to Receive “Eagle of the Cross” Awards from the Diocese of Youngstown

Bishop Bonnar to recognize youth leaders at St. Columba Cathedral on April 30.

Steven Jones Named New DOY Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Jones replaces Mary Fiala who is retiring at the end of the school year

Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown Honors “Voice of Hope” Winners May 2nd

The award celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities’ Services in the Diocese of Youngstown 

Diocese of Youngstown Announces 2024 Golden Apple Award Winners

Educators from various diocesan Catholic Schools will be honored May 1st

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February 15, 2023

2023 Priest Assignments Announced

Click here to read an article in The Catholic Times on how the below Priest assignments will affect churches in the Diocese of Columbus.

Click here to see additional priest assignments announced in March of 2023.

Click here to see the four additional priest assignments announce in June of 2023.

The following clergy assignments, which were announced by the diocese on the weekend of Feb. 11-12, will take effect in July unless otherwise noted:

Reverend William Arnold , from Pastor, Holy Spirit Church and St. Philip Church Columbus, to Retirement, effective December 1, 2023.

Reverend James P. Black , from Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Church, Powell, to Pastor, St. Brigid of Kildare Church, Dublin, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Thomas J. Buffer , from Pastor, St. Mary Church, Marion and Sacred Hearts Church Cardington, to Pastor, St. Cecilia Church, Columbus, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend James Coleman , from Pastor, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Columbus, to Retirement, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Leo Connolly , to Administrator, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Columbus, continuing as Pastor, Seton Parish, Pickerington, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Anthony J. Davis , to Pastor, St. Elizabeth Church, Columbus continuing as Pastor, St. Matthias Church, Columbus, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Anthony A. Dinovo , from Pastor, St. Michael Church, Worthington, to Pastor, St. Patrick Church, London, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Craig R. Eilerman , to Administrator, St. Mark Church, Lancaster continuing as Pastor/Rector, Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption Lancaster, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Monsignor Paul Enke , from Pastor, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Granville, to Chaplain, Mother Angeline McCrory Manor and the Villas at St. Therese, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Peter M. Gideon , from Pastor, St. Mark Church, Lancaster, and Administrator, St. Joseph, Sugar Grove, to Retirement, effective July 11, 2023.

Fr. Mark Hammond , from Episcopal Vicar for Spiritual Life of Priests, to Promoter of Justice, continuing as pastor of St. Vincent DePaul, Mt. Vernon, and St. Luke, Danville, effective February 8, 2023.

Reverend Timothy M. Hayes , from Pastor, St. Mary Church and St. Peter Church, Chillicothe, and St. Mary Church, Waverly, to Pastor, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Granville, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks , from Pastor, St. Brigid of Kildare Church, Dublin, to Bishop’s

Delegate for Community Relations, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Hilary Ike , from Administrator, St. Mary Church, Groveport, to Parochial Vicar, St. Elizabeth Church and St. Matthias Church, Columbus, continuing in service to the Tribunal effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Jacques Kik , from Parochial Vicar, St. Joan of Arc Church, Powell, to Pastor, Our Lady of Victory Church, Columbus, continuing as chaplain for Maronite Community, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Robert Kitsmiller , from Rector, St. Joseph Cathedral and Administrator, Holy Cross Church, Columbus, continuing as Judicial Vicar, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Michael J. Lumpe , from Chaplain, Mother Angeline McCrory Manor and Villas at St. Therese, Columbus, to Pastor, St. Michael Church, Worthington, continuing as Vicar for Senior and Infirm Priests and Diocesan Coordinator of Hospital Ministry, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend William A. Metzger , from Pastor, Our Lady of Victory Church, Columbus, to Retirement, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Brian J. O'Connor , to Administrator, St. Mary Church, Groveport, continuing as Pastor, St. John XXIII Church, Canal Winchester, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Martin J. Ralko , from Pastor, St. Nicholas Church, Zanesville, to Pastor, St. Ann Church, Dresden and St. Mary Church, Mattingly Settlement, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend David A. Schalk , from Pastor, Christ the King Church and St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Columbus, to Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Church, Powell and St. Peter Church, Columbus, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Ryan M. Schmit , from Pastor, St. Ann Church, Dresden and St. Mary Church, Mattingly Settlement, to Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ada and Immaculate Conception Church, Kenton, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Edward T. Shikina , from Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ada and Immaculate Conception Church, Kenton, to Pastor, St. Mary Church, Marion and Sacred Hearts Church, Cardington, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Jan C. P. Sullivan , from Pastor, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Zanesville, to Rector, St. Joseph Cathedral, and Administrator, Holy Cross Church, Columbus, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Tyron J. Tomson , to Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Sugar Grove, continuing as Pastor, St. Bernadette Church, Lancaster and St. Mary Church, Bremen, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Christopher M. Tuttle , from Pastor, St. Peter Church, Columbus, to Pastor, St. Mary Church and St. Peter Church, Chillicothe, and St. Mary Church, Waverly, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend Michael B. Watson , from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Grove City, to Retirement with continuing assistance to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, effective July 11, 2023.

Reverend David J. Young , from Pastor, St. Pius X Church, Reynoldsburg, to Pastor, St. Nicholas Church, Zanesville and St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Zanesville, effective July 11, 2023.

Confirming the appointment by the Provincial of the Apostles of Jesus, Reverend Patrick Watikha, AJ , from Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Church, Portsmouth; Holy Redeemer Church, Portsmouth; St. Peter in Chains Church, Wheelersburg; and Holy Trinity Church, Pond Creek, to Pastor, St. Pius X Church, Reynoldsburg, effective July 11, 2023.

Confirming the appointment by the Provincial of the Apostles of Jesus, Reverend Process Milton Kiocha, AJ , from Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Church and St. Peter Church, Chillicothe, and St. Mary Church, Waverly, to Parochial Vicar, St. Pius X Church, Reynoldsburg, effective July 11, 2023.

Confirming the appointment by the Provincial of the Theatine Fathers in the United States, R everend David Arroyo Alonso, CR; Reverend Victor Mendez Cano, CR; and Reverend Salvador Cisneros Carrillo, CR,  from Parochial Vicars Christ the King Church and St. Thomas Church, Columbus, to Parochial Vicars St. Joan of Arc Church, Powell, and St. Peter Church, Columbus, effective July 11, 2023.

Confirming the appointment of the Provincial of the Pallottine Fathers from service outside of the diocese to service at Holy Spirit Church, Columbus and St. Philip Church, Columbus, effective July 11, 2023.

Confirming the appointment of the Provincial of the Franciscan Capuchin Fathers of St. Augustine Province, from service outside of the diocese, to the assumption of responsibility for Christ the King and St. Thomas the Apostle Church, effective July 11, 2023.

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Bishop announces priest retirements and assignments

Apr 22, 2023 | Local

April 22, 2023 6PM EDT

Bishop Douglas J. Lucia has released the following initial pastoral assignments for 2023:

The following pastors are retiring, effective July 1, 2023 – Rev. James Carey , currently pastor of the Church of the Nativity including: St. Leo Church, Tully, New York; St. Patrick Church, Otisco, New York; St. Joseph Church, Lafayette, New York; and Immaculate Conception, Pompey.   Rev. Richard Dunn , currently pastor of St. Mary of the Lake, Skaneateles, New York.   Rev. Joseph Salerno , currently pastor of Mary, Mother of our Savior Church, Utica, New York.   Rev. John Werner , currently pastor of St. Mary Church and St. Paul Church, Binghamton.  The Diocese of Syracuse is most grateful for their years of dedicated service.

Rev. James Carey

Rev. Richard Dunn

Rev. Joseph Salerno

Rev. Jon Werner

Rev. Nathan Brooks

Rev. Daniel Caughey

Rev. Jason Hage

Rev. Brian Lang

Rev. Nathan Brooks – Currently Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Church, Oneida, New York; St. Patrick Church, Oneida, New York; Holy Family Church, Vernon, New York; St. Helena, Sherill, New York; St. Agatha Church, Canastota, New York; St. Mary of the Lake, Verona Beach, New York, has been appointed administrator of the Church of the Nativity including: St. Leo Church, Tully, New York; St. Patrick Church, Otisco, New York; St. Joseph Church, Lafayette, New York; and Immaculate Conception, Pompey, New York, effective July 1, 2023.

Rev. Daniel Caughey –  Currently administrator of St. Malachy Church, Sherburne, New York and St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus, New Berlin.  Appointed pastor of the same parishes, effective July 1, 2023.

Rev. Jason Hage  – Currently pastor of St. Mary Church, Hamilton, New York; St. Joan of Arc, Morrisville, New York; St. Joseph Church, Oriskany Falls, New York; St. Bernard Church, Waterville, New York, sacramental minister at Colgate University, and Diocesan Director of Vocation Promotion has been appointed pastor of Mary, Mother of our Savior, Utica, New York and remains the Director of Vocation Promotion, effective July 1, 2023.

Rev. Brian Lang  – Currently pastor of St. Anne Church, Manlius, New York has been appointed pastor of St. Mary of the Lake, Skaneateles, New York, effective July 1, 2023.

Additional announcements will be made the weekend of April 29/30. 

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Updated Priest Assignments

• Diocese of Tucson
• Vocations to Priesthood & Religious Life

Effective July 2023, several priests will begin serving in new assignments around the Diocese of Tucson.

• Msgr. Ambrose Nwohu , retiring from St. Helen Parish, Oracle
• Fr. Robert Gonzales , retiring from St. John the Evangelist, Tucson  
• Fr. Marco Carrasco to Queen of All Saints, Tucson
• Fr. Martin Bosco Ormin to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Miami, AZ
• Fr. Jorge Farias to Sacred Heart, Nogales
• Fr. Madhu George to the San Carlos Apache Community, San Carlos
• Fr. Balaswamy “Bala” Kommathoti to St. Helen in Oracle while remaining Pastor of parishes in San Manuel and Mammoth
• Fr. John Paul Shea to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (covering Pearce-Sunsites and mission of Elfrida)
• Fr. Mark Stein to Sacred Heart of Jesus, Tombstone
• Fr. Alexander Tigga to St. James the Apostle, Coolidge 
• Fr. Marcos Velasquez to Santa Cruz, Tucson  

Parish Administrators:

• Fr. Rajeev Bobba to St. Helen of the Cross, Eloy
• Fr. Simon Ityo, V.C. to St. Therese of Lisieux, Patagonia; including assistance at Santa Rita Abbey, Sonoita
• Fr. Callistus Iyorember to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Florence; and part-time canon law studies

Parochial Vicars:

• Fr. Ukeyima Emmanuel Adams, V.C. , to Sts. Peter & Paul, Tucson, including hospital duties at Banner-University Medical Center
• Fr. Bardo Antúnez to St. John the Evangelist, Tucson 
• Fr. Abundio Colazo-Lopez , after priestly ordination, to St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson; and associate vocations director duties
• Fr. Jesus Gomez , after priestly ordination, to St. Anthony of Padua, Casa Grande; and associate vocations director duties
• Fr. Timothy Imbya, V.C. to Our Lady of Fatima, Tucson 
• Fr. Simon Muema, S.D.S. , to Santa Cruz, Tucson
• Fr. Luis Pablo Ochoa Escarrega , after priestly ordination, to Immaculate Conception, Yuma; and associate vocations director duties
• Fr. Peter Pedrasa to Sacred Heart, Nogales
• Fr. Richard Rivera , associate vocations director duties in addition to continuing as Parochial Vicar at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Tucson
• Fr. Patrick Sherrard to St. Thomas the Apostle, Tucson
• Fr. Jose Marie Uriarte to half time St. Jude Thaddeus in San Luis, and half time at Immaculate Conception in Yuma, where he is also in residence
• Fr. Roberto Villablanca, Jr. , after priestly ordination, to St. Francis of Assisi, Yuma; and associate vocations director duties

Non-Parochial Assignments:

• Fr. Alan Soto Hopkins , after priestly ordination, to canon law studies at University of St. Paul, Ottawa, Canada
• Fr. Cosmos Jooli to be assigned upon arrival
• Fr. Lester Mendonsa, JCD to Tribunal ministry
• Fr. Vincent Odoh, V.C. to be assigned upon arrival
• Fr. Rudolph “Rudy” Ofori to be assigned upon return

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2023-2024 Clergy Assignments

Posted on May 16, 2023 in News

2023 – 2024 Priest Assignments

Bishop Johnston has made the following clergy assignments effective July 1, 2023 (current assignments conclude June 30, 2023): 

Rev. Abner Ables, c.s. concludes his term as Pastor at Holy Rosary Parish, Kansas City.

Rev. Bryan Amthor  has been assigned Pastor of Nativity of Mary Parish, Independence, and St. Bernadette Parish, Kansas City. He concludes his assignments as Pastor at St. George Parish, Odessa, and St. Jude Parish, Oak Grove.

Rev. Joshua Barlett  has been assigned pastor of St. George Parish, Odessa, and St. Jude Parish, Oak Grove. He concludes his assignments as Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Savannah, St. Patrick Mission, Forest City, and as Chaplain at the Northwest Missouri State University Newman Center, Maryville.

Rev. Matthew Bartulica  has been appointed Pastor of St. James Parish, St. Joseph. He retains his other assignments, especially Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Easton, and Chaplain at the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus, Gower. He concludes his assignment as Pastor of Seven Dolors Parish, Hurlingen.

Rev. Albert Bruecken, O.S.B.  has been appointed Chaplain to the Northwest Missouri State University Newman Center, Maryville. He retains his other assignments, especially Pastor at St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish, Maryville.

Rev. Philip Egan  concludes his term as Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Kansas City, and transitions to retired status.

Rev. Adam Haake  has been assigned Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, Lee’s Summit. He retains his assignment as Chaplain to the University of Missouri-Kansas City Newman Center. He concludes his assignment as Pastor of Coronation of Our Lady Parish, Grandview.

Rev. Gregory Haskamp  has been assigned Pastor of Visitation Parish, Kansas City, and concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish, Kansas City.

Rev. Andrew Kleine  has been assigned Parochial Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, Warrensburg and Chaplain to the University of Central Missouri Newman Center, Warrensburg. He concludes his assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish, Kansas City.

Rev. Christian Malewski  has been appointed Parochial Administrator of Seven Dolors Parish, Hurlingen. He retains his current assignment as Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, St. Joseph.

Rev. Andrew Mattingly  has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Kansas City, and Rector of the Shrine of Divine Mercy, Kansas City. He retains his assignment as Chaplain to the City on a Hill apostolate.

Rev. Hoang Phi Liem Nguyen, c.s. has been appointed Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Kansas City.

Rev. Monsignor Bradley Offutt  has been assigned Pastor of St. Mark Parish, Independence, and concludes his assignment as Pastor at Visitation Parish, Kansas City.

Rev. Joseph Powers  has been assigned Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Savannah, and St. Patrick Mission, Forest City, and concludes his assignment as Pastor of St. Mark Parish, Independence.

Rev. Steven Rogers  has been assigned Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Kansas City, and concludes his assignments as Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Weston, and Twelve Apostles Parish, Platte City.

Rev. Nathan Rueb  has been appointed Parochial Administrator of Coronation of Our Lady Parish, Grandview. He has also been appointed Director of Seminarians and retains his current assignment as Vocations Director. He concludes his assignment as Chaplain at St. Pius X High School.

Rev. Robert Stone  has been assigned as Pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish, Kansas City. He concludes his assignments as Pastor of Nativity of Mary Parish, Independence, and St. Bernadette Parish, Kansas City.

Rev. Joseph Totton  has been assigned Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Weston, and Twelve Apostles Parish, Platte City. He concludes his assignment as Pastor at St. James Parish, St. Joseph.

Subsequent to his May 27 ordination to the Priesthood, Bishop Johnston has made the following assignment effective July 1, 2023 :

Rev. Mr. Mark Famuliner  is appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Therese Little Flower (North) Parish, Kansas City. He is also assigned as Chaplain at St. Pius X High School, Kansas City, where he will serve two days per week.

Bishop Johnston made the following clergy assignment effective May 16, 2023:

Rev. Stephen Hansen has been appointed Interim President of St. Joseph Catholic Academy. He retains his other assignments, especially Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Mary Parish, St. Joseph.

Other 2023 Assignments

Bishop Johnston made the following assignments effective May 1, 2023 (previous assignments concluded April 30, 2023):

Deacon Robert Falke has been transferred to St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Blue Springs. He concludes his assignment at St. John Francis Regis Parish, Kansas City.

Deacon David Healy has been transferred to St. Thomas More Parish, Kansas City. He concludes his assignment at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Kansas City.

Subsequent to his May 20 ordination to the Holy Order of Diaconate, Bishop Johnston has made the following assignment:

Mr. Sam Horan has been assigned to assist the Pastor of St. Mark Parish, Independence, as his assigned studies allow.

Bishop Johnston has made the following assignment effective May 20, 2023:

Rev. Mr. Benjamin Fenlon has been assigned to assist the Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Mary Parishes, St. Joseph, as his assigned studies allow.

Please pray for these men in their new assignments.

Related Diocesan News

April 2024 Priest Assignment Updates

Mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Princeton to Saint Joseph Parish, Trenton Amalgamation

Bishop Johnston addresses recent KC Star commentary on St. John LaLande School

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2023 priest assignments announced

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following priest assignments, effective July 11, 2023, unless otherwise noted:

• Father Darren Balkey , parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem, will become parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte.
• Father Brian Becker , pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa, will become the new director of the Propaedeutic Stage of Formation at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly. He will continue serving as promoter of vocations for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Father Oscar Benavides has been appointed as parochial vicar at St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte and will be helping on Saturdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, effective Oct. 1.

Newly ordained Father Christopher Brock will become parochial vicar at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.

Redemptorist Father Blas Caceres will serve as pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Kannapolis, effective Aug. 16, 2023, succeeding Redemptorist Father Fabio Marin Morales.

Redemptorist Father Jerome Chavarria , pastor of St. James Parish in Concord, and Redemptorist Father Charles Donovan , parochial vicar, are being reassigned by their order, effective Aug. 16, 2023.

• Father Christian Cook , pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville, will become pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa.
• Father Alfonso Gamez , parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem, will become parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte.
• Father José Enrique Gonzalez Gaytán , parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte, will become pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir.
• Father Andres F. Gutierrez , a new priest to the Diocese of Charlotte, will become pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville.
• Father Stephen Hoyt , pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir, will become the chaplain to Maryfield at Pennybyrn in High Point.

Father Aaron Huber , a parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, will become the full-time chaplain at Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville while being in residence at the rectory at St. Mark Church.

• Father Thomas J. Kessler , a parochial vicar at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte and former pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Statesville, will become parochial vicar at St. Luke Parish in Mint Hill, effective Aug. 25.
• Vincentian Father Bruce J. Krause is appointed parochial vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, effective June 29, 2023.

Father Hosup Kwon of the Diocese of Daegu in Korea will replace Father Hyosuk Lee as the priest in ministry to St. Peter Yu Catholic Community in Greensboro, effective July 28, 2023. Father Lee will return to the Daegu diocese Aug. 5, 2023.

Missionary Society of St. Paul Father Anthony Mbanefo will serve as parochial administrator of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Mars Hill and Sacred Heart Mission in Burnsville, effective Oct. 16, following the retirement of pastor Father Frederick M. Werth Jr. on Oct. 13.

• Father Jacob Mlakar , parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish and assistant chaplain at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, will be assigned to full-time studies at the Angelicum in Rome to complete his degree in Spiritual Theology.

Redemptorist Father Fabio Marin Morales , pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Kannapolis, is being reassigned by his order, effective Aug. 16, 2023.

Vincentian Father Hugo Medellin , parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, is being reassigned by his order, effective Aug. 1, 2023.

Vincentian Father Marvin A. Navas will serve as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, effective Aug. 1, 2023.

• Father Felix Nkafu , parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem, will return to the Diocese of Buea in Cameroon, effective Aug. 28, 2023.

Newly ordained Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu will become a parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville.

Father David F. O’Connor will serve as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville as of Sept. 19, 2023. He is coming to the Diocese of Charlotte from the Diocese of Huancané, Peru.

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Patrick O’Connor , will serve as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, effective Sept. 1, 2023.

• Father Bernard Oleru , of the Missionaries of St. Paul of Nigeria, will become pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Statesville. He served as parochial vicar at St. Therese Parish in Mooresville and most recently is returning to the Diocese of Charlotte from an extended Spanish immersion course.

Redemptorist Father Glenn Parker , parochial vicar at St. James Parish in Concord, will become pastor effective Aug. 16, 2023. He will be joined by two new parochial vicars: Redemptorist Father Luyen Dau and Redemptorist Father Oscar Rojas .

Newly ordained Father Peter Rusciolelli will become parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

• Father Juan Miguel Sanchez , parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish and part-time assistant chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, will become parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem.
• Father Philip Scarcella , pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Charlotte, announces his retirement from active ministry as of Dec. 31, 2023. He will continue to assist at the parish until a new pastor is appointed, expected in February 2024.

Father Ramiro Tijerino has been appointed to Hispanic Ministry at Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John Neumann parishes in Charlotte, effective Aug. 1.

Father Jonathan Torres , a parochial vicar at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte, will become the full-time chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School while being in residence at the rectory at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

Father Henry Tutuwan , pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King, will return to the Diocese of Buea in Cameroon.

Father Melchesideck Yumo , a parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, will become the parochial administrator for St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King.

— Catholic News Herald

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Search catholic diocese of richmond, bishop knestout announces clergy assignments effective july 1, 2023.

Updated June 12, 2023

 Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond, has announced additional clergy appointments effective Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Parochial Vicar

Father William Buckley, newly ordained, to serve as parochial vicar of St. Andrew, Roanoke.

Administrator

Father Joseph Maxwell Appiagyei,  from pastor of St. Patrick, Richmond; St. Peter Pro Cathedral, Richmond; and St. John, Highland Springs; to administrator of St. Patrick, Lexington.

Father Brian Capuano, J.C.L., E.V. , from vicar for vocations and interim director for the Office of Worship, to pastor of St. Patrick, Richmond; St. Peter Pro Cathedral, Richmond; and St. John, Highland Springs; in addition to his appointment as judicial vicar and chancellor of the Diocese of Richmond.

Ministry Outside the Diocese

Father James O’Reilly , from parochial vicar of St. Bridget, Richmond, to be released to discern ministry with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.

Director of the Office of Worship

Deacon Robert Young, appointed as director of the Office of Worship, while continuing as director of the Propagation of the Faith, and deacon of St. Joseph, Petersburg.

May 30, 2023

Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond, has announced the following clergy appointments effective Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Episcopal Vicars

Father Brian Capuano, J.C.L., E.V. , from vicar for vocations and interim director for the Office of Worship to judicial vicar and chancellor of the Diocese of Richmond.

Father Matthew Kiehl, E.V., from pastor of Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach, to vicar for vocations of the Diocese of Richmond.

Father Kenneth Shuping, E.V., pastor of Saint Bridget, Richmond, to include appointments as episcopal vicar for the Central Vicariate and member of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Richmond.

Father Eric Anokye , from pastor of St. Theresa of the Holy Family; Tazewell; Church of St. Joseph of Holy Family, Grundy; Church of St. Elizabeth of Holy Family, Pocahontas; and Church of St. Mary of Holy Family, Richlands; to pastor of St. John Neumann, Powhatan.

Father Eric Baffour Asamoah , from pastor of Sacred Heart, Big Stone Gap; Holy Spirit Catholic Community, Jonesville; St. Joseph, Clintwood; and St. Anthony, Norton; to pastor of St. Mark, Virginia Beach.

Father Rolo Castillo , from pastor of Christ the King, Abingdon; and St. John the Evangelist, Marion, to pastor of Church of St. Therese, Chesapeake.

Father Christopher Hess, V.F. , from pastor of St. Anne, Bristol; St. Patrick, Dungannon; and St. Bernard, Gate City; to pastor of St. Theresa, Farmville; Sacred Heart, Meherrin; and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Blackstone.

Father Gerald Kaggwa, V.F. , from pastor of Church of Francis de Sales, Mathews, and Church of the Visitation, Topping, to pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk.

Father Anthony Mpungu , from pastor of St. Mark, Virginia Beach, to pastor of Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach.

Administrators

Father Peter Barfi , from parochial vicar of Church of the Resurrection, Portsmouth, to administrator of St. Jude, Mineral, and Immaculate Conception, Bumpass.

Father Magnus Tochi Iwuji, from director of the Office of Black Catholics and pastor of St. Theresa, Farmville; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Blackstone; and Sacred Heart, Meherrin; to remain director of the Office of Black Catholics and administrator of Holy Rosary, Richmond.

Father Policarpio Lagco , from parochial vicar of St. Theresa, Farmville; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Blackstone; Sacred Heart, Meherrin; to administrator of Church of the Transfiguration, Fincastle, and St. John the Evangelist, New Castle.

Father Thomas Lawrence III , from parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News; St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe; and St. Joseph, Hampton; to administrator of St. Anne, Bristol; St. Patrick, Dungannon; and St. Bernard, Gate City.

Father Christopher Masla , from parochial vicar of St. Andrew, Roanoke, to administrator of Christ the King, Abingdon and St. John the Evangelist, Marion.

Father Johnny Mintah Mensah , from parochial vicar of St. Catherine of Siena, Clarksville; St. Paschal Baylon, South Boston; and Good Shepherd, South Hill; to administrator of Church of Francis de Sales, Mathews, and Church of the Visitation, Topping.

Father Ritche Sarabia , from parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk, to administrator of Sacred Heart, Big Stone Gap; Holy Spirit Catholic Community, Jonesville; St. Joseph, Clintwood; and Saint Anthony, Norton.

Father Renier Supranes, from parochial vicar of St. Michael the Archangel, Glen Allen, to administrator of St. Theresa of the Holy Family, Tazewell; Church of St. Joseph of Holy Family, Grundy; Church of St. Elizabeth of Holy Family, Pocahontas; and Church of St. Mary of Holy Family, Richlands.

Parochial Vicars

Father Dillon Bruce, from studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, to parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News; St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe; and St. Joseph, Hampton.

Father Julio Buena , from parochial vicar of St. James, Hopewell; St. John, Petersburg; and Church of the Sacred Heart, South Prince George; to parochial vicar of Saint Augustine, North Chesterfield.

Retired Status

Father Michael Duffy J.C.L. , from adjutant judicial vicar for the Diocese of Richmond and pastor of St. Jude, Mineral, and Immaculate Conception, Bumpass, to retired status.

Father Walter Lewis , from pastor of St. John Neumann, Powhatan, to retired status.

Msgr. R. Francis Muench, J.C.L., J.V., from judicial vicar and chancellor for the Diocese of Richmond and episcopal vicar for the Central Vicariate, to retired status.

Father Kevin O’Brien , from pastor of Church of St. Therese, Chesapeake, to retired status.  

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Parishes/Masses

Bishop Deeley Announces Seven Priest Assignments and Two Retirements

Bishop Robert Deeley has announced seven priest assignments and two priest retirements, all effective on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

Assignments

Fr. Patrick Agbodi, SMA , has been appointed administrator of Corpus Christi Parish (St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow and Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Church in Waterville). Fr. Agbodi, who is currently parochial vicar of All Saints Parish in Brunswick, was ordained to the priesthood on July 1, 2000, at St. Patrick Church in Asaba, Nigeria. Since his ordination, he has served as a parish priest in Liberia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, where he also served as a director of vocations and vice regional superior. Since his arrival in Maine, he has served in Augusta and in his current role at All Saints Parish. Fr. Agbodi is a member of the Society of African Missions (SMA).

Fr. Roland Berngeh has been appointed administrator of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish (Immaculate Conception Church, Calais; St. Anne Church, Perry; St. Ann Church, Indian Township; St. James the Greater Church, Baileyville; St. John the Evangelist Church, Pembroke; and St. Joseph Church, Eastport). Fr. Berngeh is currently parochial vicar at Stella Maris Parish in Bucksport, St. Joseph Parish in Ellsworth, and Parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Bar Harbor. A native of Jakiri, Cameroon, Fr. Berngeh was ordained to the priesthood on April 10, 1985, and since his ordination, has served in a variety of roles at parishes in Cameroon and as a director of vocations and vicar general for the Diocese of Kumbo. Since his arrival in Maine, he has served at his three current parishes. Fr. Berngeh earned a master’s degree in educational counseling from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

Fr. Emile Dubé has been appointed rector of St. Ignatius Chapel in Northeast Harbor. This appointment is in addition to his current assignments as pastor of the Parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Holy Redeemer Church, Bar Harbor; St. Peter Church, Manset; Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Little Cranberry Island), Stella Maris Parish (St. Vincent de Paul Church, Bucksport; Our Lady of Holy Hope Church, Castine; St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Stonington), and St. Joseph Parish (St. Joseph Church, Ellsworth; Blue Hill Mission, Blue Hill; Our Lady of the Lake Church, Dedham; St. Margaret Church, Winter Harbor). A native of Lewiston and a graduate of St. Dominic Regional High School, Fr. Dubé was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 2012, at Holy Family Church in Lewiston. Prior to his ordination, he served for 35 years as a brother in the Catholic religious order of the Salesians of St. John Bosco in New York. Since his ordination, he has served in Caribou, Brunswick, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Milo, Pittsfield, and in his current parish assignments. 

Fr. Hyacinth Fornkwa  has been appointed administrator of Holy Spirit Parish (St. Martha Church, Kennebunk; St. Mary Church, Wells; All Saints Church, Ogunquit). Fr. Fornkwa is currently administrator of Holy Family Parish in Greenville and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Jackman. A native of Cameroon, he was ordained to the priesthood on March 27, 2008, and has served at parishes and schools in Cameroon for nearly ten years. Fr. Fornkwa also served as a dean and a member of the presbyteral council in the Diocese of Kumbo for six years. He fluently speaks five languages. Since his arrival in Maine, he has served in Camden, Rockland, Belfast, Islesboro, Vinalhaven, and North Haven.

Fr. Selvaraj Kasi, HGN , has been appointed administrator of Holy Family Parish in Greenville and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Jackman. Fr. Kasi is currently parochial vicar of the Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes. A native of Tamil Nadu, India, Fr. Kasi was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 2013, in Tiruvannamalai. Since his ordination, he has served in Tanzania in a variety of roles, including as a school headmaster, as his congregation’s mission superior, and teaching and caring for residents at a hostel. Since his arrival in Maine, Fr. Kasi has served in Caribou, Presque Isle, Portage, Washburn, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill, Limestone, Ashland, Stockholm, Lewiston, Lisbon Falls, Sabattus, Fort Kent, St. Agatha, Madawaska, and in his current parish assignments. Fr. Kasi is a member of the Heralds of Good News (HGN).

Fr. Joseph Lukong has been appointed parochial vicar at Parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Holy Redeemer Church, Bar Harbor; St. Peter Church, Manset; Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Little Cranberry Island), Stella Maris Parish (St. Vincent de Paul Church, Bucksport; Our Lady of Holy Hope Church, Castine; St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Stonington), and St. Joseph Parish (St. Joseph Church, Ellsworth; Blue Hill Mission, Blue Hill; Our Lady of the Lake Church, Dedham; St. Margaret Church, Winter Harbor). Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2002, Fr. Lukong has spent two decades serving as a parish priest and manager of schools in his native Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon. He also served as rector of St. Theresa Cathedral in Kumbo, the same church where he was baptized and was an altar server. Fr. Lukong has been in residence at Stella Maris Parish since his arrival in Maine.

Fr. Brad Morin has been appointed director of vocations for the Diocese of Portland and parochial vicar of Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord (Holy Family Church, Old Town; Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Orono; St. Ann Church, Bradley; St. Ann Church, Indian Island). Fr. Morin is currently pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Calais. Born in Upper Frenchville, Fr. Morin was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 2014, at St. David Church in Madawaska. Since his ordination, he has served in Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Winterport, Saco, Biddeford, Lyman, Old Orchard Beach, and in his current parish assignments.

Retirements

Fr. Daniel Baillargeon , pastor of Corpus Christi Parish (Notre Dame de Perpetual Secours Church in Waterville and St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow), will retire from active ministry. Fr. Baillargeon was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 2007, at Holy Family Church in his native Old Town. Since his ordination, he has served in Waterville, Winslow, Fairfield, Vassalboro, Oakland, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Lyman, Biddeford, Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, and Winterport.

Fr. Fredrick Morse , pastor of Holy Spirit Parish (St. Martha Church, Kennebunk; St. Mary Church, Wells; All Saints Church, Ogunquit), will retire from active ministry. Fr. Morse was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1995, at St. John Church in his native Bangor. Since his ordination, he has served in Wells, Kennebunk, Ogunquit, Brunswick, Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Richmond, Newcastle, Harpswell, Fort Kent, Daigle, South Portland, Portland, and Peaks Island. He has also served as chaplain at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

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Father Dan Wittrock and Father Michael Gadache Ahmadu concelebrate Mass at St. Bernard Parish in May 2023.

Archdiocese of Omaha announces 2023 priest assignments

May 19, 2023

The Archdiocese of Omaha announced the following assignments for clergy and tribunal members. All assignments are effective July 1 .  

Archdiocese of Omaha  

Clergy and Tribunal Assignments 2023  

Retirements 

Fr. Frank Baumert , senior associate pastor, St. Thomas More Parish, Omaha, and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Omaha. (Ordained 1978.)   

Fr. Michael Grewe , vicar general and pastor of St. Cecilia Cathedral. (Ordained 1979.)    

Fr. Daniel Kampschneider , pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Omaha. (Ordained 1979.)  

Fr. Gerald Leise , pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Pender, Sacred Heart Parish, Emerson, and St. Mary Parish, Hubbard. (Ordained 1974.)    

Fr. Carl Salanitro , pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Omaha. (Ordained 1970.) 

Fr. William Sanderson , pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish, Omaha, and Holy Ghost Parish, Omaha. (Ordained 1983)  

Urban Families of Parishes   

Urban Family A – Fremont, Hooper, North Bend, Scribner, Snyder  

Fr. Walter Nolte , pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Fremont, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, North Bend, St. Lawrence Parish, Scribner, and St. Rose of Lima Parish, Hooper, is reappointed as pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Fremont, for a six-year term.   

Urban Family B – Blair, Fort Calhoun, Tekamah  

Fr. Damien Wee , pastor, St. Francis Borgia, Blair, takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Tekamah.   

Urban Family C – St. Elizabeth Ann, St. James  

No change.    

Urban Family D – Holy Name, St. Philip Neri-Blessed Sacrament  

Fr. Anthony Weidner , pastor, St. Michael Parish, South Sioux City, to senior associate pastor in the parishes in Urban Family D.    

Fr. Damien Cook , pastor, St. Philip Neri-Blessed Sacrament Parish, Omaha, and pastor, Holy Name Parish, Omaha.

Urban Family E  – Sacred Heart, St. Benedict the Moor, St. John  

Fr. David Korth , pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Omaha, is reappointed for a six-year term and takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Benedict the Moor Parish, Omaha.   

Urban Family F  – St. Leo the Great, St. Pius X, St. Bernard  

Fr. Michael Gadache , associate pastor, St. Pius X Parish, Omaha, and chaplain, Our Lady of Africa Chaplaincy, to pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Omaha. The chaplaincy duties are amalgamated into the office of pastor.   

Urban Family G – Christ the King, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. John Paul II Newman Center  

No change.   

Urban Family H – St. Cecilia Cathedral, St. Margaret Mary  

Fr. Jeremy Hans , pastor, St. Ludger Parish, Creighton, St. Ignatius Mission, Brunswick, St. Paul Parish, Plainview, and administrator, St. Wenceslaus Parish, Verdigre, St. William Mission, Niobrara, and St. Andrew Parish, Bloomfield, to pastor, St. Cecilia Cathedral.   

Fr. Georges Sokpo , a priest of the Diocese of Aného in Togo, to associate pastor of the parishes of Urban Family H.   

Fr. Eliot Schwer , resident at St. Cecilia Cathedral, to associate pastor of the parishes of Urban Family H.   

Urban Family I – Our Lady of Lourdes-St. Adalbert, Holy Cross, St. Andrew Kim Taegon  

Fr. Vitalis Anyanike , pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes-St. Adalbert Parish, Omaha, takes on additional duties as pastor, Holy Cross Parish, Omaha.

Fr. James de Anda , judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal, will be in residence at Our Lady of Lourdes-St. Adalbert Parish, Omaha.    

Urban Family J – St. Peter, St. Joseph  

Fr. Joseph Broudou , on leave to the Diocese of Grand Island, to senior associate pastor, St. Peter Parish, Omaha, and St. Joseph Parish, Omaha.    

Urban Family K – St. Frances Cabrini, St. Mary Magdalene  

No change.   

Urban Family L  – St. Thomas More, St. Joan of Arc  

Urban Family M – St. Bridget-St. Rose, St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Stanislaus  

Fr. David Fulton , pastor, St. Michael Parish, Central City, St. Peter Parish, Clarks, and St. Peter Parish, Fullerton, to senior associate pastor in the parishes of Urban Family M.    

Fr. Bede Tam Van Nguyen and the community of Our Lady of Fatima Parish will relocate from St. Peter Parish, Omaha, to St. Stanislaus Parish, Omaha. This move will take place over the course of the summer.  

Fr. William Safranek , pastor, St. Bridget-St. Rose Parish, Omaha, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Omaha, is reappointed for a six-year term and takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Stanislaus Parish, Omaha.  

Urban Family N – Assumption-Guadalupe, Ss. Peter & Paul, St. Mary  

Urban Family O – St. Bernadette, Holy Ghost  

Fr. Jeffrey Mollner , pastor, St. Bernadette Parish, Bellevue, with duties at Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School, Bellevue, takes on additional duties as pastor, Holy Ghost Parish, Omaha.    

Urban Family P – Bellevue: St. Mary, St. Matthew   

Fr. Joseph Kwasau , priest of the Archdiocese of Kaduna in Nigeria, to associate pastor, St. Mary Parish, Bellevue.    

Fr. Lydell Lape , pastor, St. Mary Parish, Bellevue, is reappointed to a six-year term.   

Fr. Leo Rigatuso , pastor, St. Matthew Parish, Bellevue, is reappointed to a six-year term.   

Fr . Michael Voithofer , pastor, St. Benedict the Moor Parish, Omaha, and Ablaze Ministries, with residence at the Ablaze House of Prayer, ceases in his role as pastor and takes on additional duties of sacramental supply at St. Matthew Parish, Bellevue.     

Urban Family Q – Papillion: St. Columbkille, Ralston: St. Gerald  

Fr. Mark Nolte , pastor, St. Gerald Parish, Ralston, is reappointed to a six-year term.   

Urban Family R – Gretna: St. Patrick, St. Charles Borromeo, Springfield: St. Joseph   

Fr. Jeffery Loseke , pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Gretna, is reappointed to a six-year term.   

Urban Family S – Mary Our Queen, St. John Vianney  

Fr. Richard Reiser , pastor, St. John Vianney, to senior associate pastor in the parishes of Urban Family S.   

Fr. Marc Lim , pastor, Mary Our Queen, Omaha, to additional duties as pastor, St. John Vianney, Omaha.   

Fr. Tom Bauwens , from resident and sacramental supply, Mary Our Queen, Omaha, to senior associate pastor in the parishes of Urban Family S.   

Urban Family T – St. Wenceslaus, St. Stephen the Martyr, St. Vincent de Paul, Boys Town: Immaculate Conception  

Fr. David Belt , pastor, St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, Omaha, is reappointed to a six-year term.   

Fr. Tobias Letak , associate pastor, St. Margaret Mary Parish, Omaha, to associate pastor, St. Wenceslaus Parish, Omaha.    

Fr. Andrew Roza , associate pastor , St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Omaha, to pastor of the same.     

Fr. Padraic Stack , associate pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Elkhorn, to associate pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Omaha.   

Urban Family U – Elkhorn: St. Patrick, Valley: St. John the Evangelist  

Fr. Thomas Fangman , pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Elkhorn, is reappointed to a six-year term.  

Fr. An Duy Phan , associate pastor , All Saints Parish, Cedar County, Holy Family Parish, Cedar County, and St. Andrew Parish, Bloomfield, to senior associate pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Elkhorn.  

Specialized Ministry: Urban Families T & U  

Fr. Andrew Sohm , pastor, St. Peter Parish, Newcastle, St. Joseph Parish, Ponca, and St. Patrick Parish, Jackson, to hospital chaplaincy. This assignment is not yet finalized.    

Rural Families of Parishes   

Rural Family A – Amelia, Atkinson, Boyd County, O’Neill, Stuart  

Rural Family B – Bloomfield, Brunswick, Cedar County, Crofton, Creighton, Niobrara, Verdigre  

Fr. James Keiter , pastor All Saints, Cedar County, Holy Family, Cedar County, and St. Andrew Parish, Bloomfield, takes on additional duties as pastor of the parishes in Rural Family B.    

Fr. Daniel Wittrock , pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Omaha, to senior associate pastor in the parishes of Rural Family B.    

Rural Family C – Coleridge, Hartington, Newcastle, Osmond, Plainview, Ponca, Randolph  

Fr. Owen Korte , pastor, Holy Trinity Parish , Hartington and St. Michael Parish, Coleridge, takes on additional duties as pastor of the parishes of Rural Family C.    

Fr. Kevin Vogel , administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Pierce, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Randolph, St. Mary of the Seven Dolors, Osmond, ceases as administrator, taking on duties as associate pastor of the parishes of Rural Family C.    

Rural Family D – Dixon, Laurel, Wayne  

Fr. Matthew Capadano , pastor, St. Mary Parish, Wayne, and administrator, St. Anne Parish, Dixon, and St. Mary Parish, Laurel, ceases as administrator and takes on duties as pastor of St. Anne Parish, Dixon, and St. Mary Parish, Laurel.  

Rural Family E – Bancroft, Decatur, Emerson, Homer, Hubbard, Jackson, Lyons, Macy, Pender, Walthill, South Sioux City, Winnebago  

Fr. Mark Beran , pastor, St. Augustine, Winnebago, St. Joseph, Walthill, St. Cornelius, Homer, and Our Lady of Fatima, Macy, is reappointed for a six-year term and takes on additional duties as pastor of the parishes of Rural Family E, not including St. Michael Parish, South Sioux City.    

Fr. Kevin Joyce , pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Tekamah, and Holy Family Parish, Decatur, and administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Lyons, and Holy Cross Parish, Bancroft, to senior associate pastor of the parishes of Rural Family E, not including St. Michael Parish, South Sioux City.    

Fr. Matthew Niggemeyer , associate pastor, St. Mary Parish, West Point, St. Aloysius Parish, Aloys, St. Boniface Parish, Monterey, and St. Anthony Parish, St. Charles, to pastor, St. Michael Parish, South Sioux City.    

Fr. Carl Zoucha , pastor, Holy Name Parish, Omaha, to senior associate pastor, St. Michael Parish, South Sioux City.    

Rural Family F – Aloys, Beemer, Dodge, Howells, Monterey, Olean, St. Charles, West Point, Wisner  

Fr. James Weeder , pastor, St. Mary Parish, West Point, St. Aloysius Parish, Aloys, St. Boniface Parish, Monterey, and St. Anthony Parish, St. Charles, takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Wenceslaus Parish, Dodge, Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Howells, and St. John Nepomucene Parish, Howells.  

Fr. Walter Jong-à-Kiem to senior associate pastor, St. Mary Parish, West Point, St. Aloysius Parish, Aloys, St. Boniface Parish, Monterey, and St. Anthony Parish, St. Charles,  St. Wenceslaus Parish, Dodge, Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Howells, and St. John Nepomucene Parish, Howells .  

Rural Family G – Clarkson, Humphrey, Leigh, Lindsay, Tarnov  

Fr. Stanley Schmit , pastor, Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Howells, St. John Nepomucene Parish, Howells, and Holy Trinity Parish, Heun, to pastor of the parishes in Rural Family G.    

Fr. Matthew Gutowski , pastor St. Wenceslaus Parish, Dodge, Ss. Cyril & Methodius Parish, Clarkson, and Sacred Heart Parish, Olean, to senior associate pastor in the parishes of Rural Family G.    

Rural Family H – Heun, Schuyler  

Fr. Jairo Enrique Congote , pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, Schuyler, to additional duties as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Heun.   

Rural Family I – Columbus, Duncan, Platte Center  

Fr. Joseph Miksch , pastor, St. Isidore Parish, Columbus, to additional duties as pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Platte Center.    

Fr. Patrick Harrison , pastor, St. Anthony Parish, Columbus and administrator, St. Bonaventure Parish, Columbus, to additional duties as pastor, St. Bonaventure Parish, Columbus, ceases as administrator and takes on  duties as pastor, St. Bonaventure Parish, Columbus, and takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Stanislaus Parish, Duncan .   

Fr. Taylor Leffler , associate pastor, St. Wenceslaus Parish, Omaha, to associate pastor at St. Anthony Parish, Columbus, St. Bonaventure Parish, Columbus, and St. Stanislaus Parish, Duncan.    

Rural Family J – Albion, Cedar Rapids, Central City, Clarks, Fullerton, Genoa, Krakow, Silver Creek, St. Edward  

Fr. Mark Tomasiewicz , pastor, St. Michael Parish, Albion, and St. Anthony Parish, Cedar Rapids, to additional duties as pastor, St. Edward Parish, St. Edward.    

Fr. William L’Heureux , pastor, St. Edward Parish, St. Edward, S t. Rose of Lima Parish, Genoa, St. Lawrence Parish, Silver Creek, and Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Krakow, ceases as pastor of St. Edward, and takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Peter Parish, Clarks, St. Peter Parish, Fullerton, & St. Michael Parish, Central City.    

Rural Family K – Clearwater, Deloit, Elgin, Ewing, Neligh, Petersburg, Raeville, Tilden  

Rural Family L – Battle Creek, Madison, Norfolk, Pierce, Stanton  

Fr. Patrick McLaughlin , pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Norfolk, St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, Madison, St. Peter Parish, Stanton, and St. Patrick Parish, Battle Creek, takes on additional duties as pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Pierce. Fr. Gregory Carl and Fr. Brett Jamrog, associate pastors of the same, take on additional duties as associate pastors, St. Joseph Parish, Pierce.     

Ministers of the Metropolitan Tribunal  

The following are reappointed to three-year terms as judges of the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Omaha in both First and Second Instances: Deacon Ronald R. Ryan, Elizabeth A. Sondag, Fr. James R. de Anda, and Fr. Ryan P. Lewis.   

Vicar General  

Fr. Scott Hastings , pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, vicar for clergy, and judicial vicar, takes on additional duties as vicar general. The duties of the Office of the Vicar for Clergy are amalgamated into the Office of the Vicar General.   

Service outside the Archdiocese  

Fr. Eric Olsen, pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Humphrey, Holy Family Parish in Lindsay, St. Mary Parish in Leigh, and St. Michael Parish in Tarnov, has been granted leave to serve in the Diocese of Fargo.     

Leave of Absence  

Fr. Steven Emanuel , associate pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Humphrey, Holy Family Parish in Lindsay, St. Mary Parish in Leigh, and St. Michael Parish in Tarnov, has been granted a personal, voluntary leave of absence to care for his parents.   

Permanent Deacons  

The following deacons, ordained on May 6 , are assigned as follows:  

Deacon Daniel Buck, to St. Gerald Parish, Ralston.   

Deacon Daniel DeLuca, to St. Peter Parish, Omaha.   

Deacon Patrick Dempsey, to St. Columbkille Parish, Papillion.   

Deacon Rafael Gutiérrez, to Holy Name Parish, Omaha.   

Deacon Craig Martin, to St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Omaha.   

Deacon Michael Masek, to St. Wenceslaus Parish, Omaha.   

Deacon Rolando Nicolas, to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Omaha.   

Deacon Scott Tylski, to St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, Omaha.   

Deacon Steven Zach, to St. Isidore Parish, Columbus.   

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Bishop Michael Duca, left, aided by Father Cary Bani and alter server Caitlyn Thompson, blesses the St. Joseph alter at St. Joseph Cathedral on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

• Javier Gallegos
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Several Baton Rouge-area Catholic pastors are moving or retiring: See the list here

Ellyn Couvillion

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• Apr 30, 2024
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Several local churches will be getting new pastors thanks to retirements, new appointments and reassignments, the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge announced Tuesday.

The changes will become effective on July 1, Bishop Michael Duca said in a news release.

Pastor appointments

• Father Michael Alello, currently pastor of St. Thomas More in Baton Rouge, appointed pastor of St. Aloysius in Baton Rouge. 
• Father Edwin Martin, currently pastor of St. Anne in Napoleonville, St. Philomena in Labadieville, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Plattenville, is appointed pastor of St. Thomas More in Baton Rouge.
• Father Reuben Dykes, currently pastor of Mater Dolorosa in Independence, appointed pastor of St. Helena in Amite.
• Father Ugochukwu Henry Ihuoma, currently parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier in Baton Rouge, appointed pastor of the church.
• Father Jason Palermo, currently pastor of St. Joseph in French Settlement and St. Stephen the Martyr in Maurepas, appointed pastor of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Greenwell Springs.
• Father Taylor Sanford, currently chaplain and director of St. Albert the Great Student Center in Hammond, appointed pastor of St. Joseph in French Settlement and St. Stephen the Martyr in Maurepas.
• Father Amalraj Savarimuthu, currently parochial vicar at Most Blessed Sacrament in Baton Rouge, appointed pastor of St. Anne in Napoleonville, St. Philomena in Labadieville, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Plattenville.

Three pastors will be retiring from active parish administration: Father Randy Cuevas, pastor of St. Aloysius in Baton Rouge; Father Michael Moroney, pastor of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Greenwell Springs, and Father Miles Walsh, who previously retired from active parish administration, and had served as parochial administrator of St. Helena in Amite.

Father Edward Chiffriller, the current pastor of St. Francis Xavier, will be assuming an assignment in another diocese, Duca said. 

"The Diocese of Baton Rouge thanks these priests for their many years of service to the people of our local Church!" the bishop said in the release. 

Email Ellyn Couvillion at [email protected] .

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• New Clergy Assignments effective July 1, 2024...

New Clergy Assignments effective July 1, 2024

Apr 22, 2024

To serve the people of God and following extensive consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board over the last few months, Bishop Oscar Cantú has made the following new clergy assignments effective July 1, 2024, unless otherwise indicated.

Office of Pastor

• Rev. Christopher Bransfield – from pastor of Saint Justin in Santa Clara to pastor of Church of the Transfiguration in San Jose
• Rev. Tito Jesus Cartagenas – from pastor of Church of the Transfiguration in San Jose to pastor of Saint Julie in San Jose
• Rev. Angelo David – from pastor of Saint Julie in San Jose to pastor of Saint Mary of Immaculate Conception in Los Gatos
• Rev. Generoso Geronimo – from parochial vicar of Saint Martin of Tours in San Jose to pastor of Saint Justin in Santa Clara
• Rev. Roberto Gomez – from pastor of Saint Martin in Sunnyvale to pastor of Our Lady of Refuge in San Jose
• Rev. Bartholomew Hutcherson, O.P. – from serving outside the diocese to pastor of Catholic Community at Stanford
• Rev. Robain Lamba – from parochial vicar of Saint Francis of Assisi to pastor of Saint Cyprian in Sunnyvale
• Rev. Gerardo Menchaca – from pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Jose to pastor of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Morgan Hill
• Rev. Prosper Molengi – from parochial vicar of Saint Lucy in Campbell to pastor of Saint Martin in Sunnyvale
• Rev. Vincent Pineda – from pastor of Saint Cyprian in Sunnyvale to pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose
• Rev. Hugo Rojas – from pastor of Our Lady of Refuge in San Jose to pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Jose
• Rev. Celso Singson – from parochial vicar of Queen of Apostles in San Jose to pastor of Saint Martin of Tours in San Jose
• Rev. Anthony Uytingco – from parochial vicar of Saint Lawrence the Martyr in Santa Clara to pastor of Queen of Apostles in San Jose

Office of Parochial Vicar

• Rev. Msgr. Francisco Rios – from parochial vicar at Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Morgan Hill to parochial vicar at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose
• Rev. Robert Brocato – from in-residence at Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Jose to in-residence at Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Morgan Hill
• Rev. Tony Famave – from parochial vicar at Holy Family in San Jose to parochial vicar at Saint Martin of Tours in San Jose
• Rev. Jeff Fernandez – from pastor at Queen of Apostles in San Jose to in-residence at Queen of Apostles in San Jose
• Rev. Andrey Garcia – from parochial vicar at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose to parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Jose
• Rev. Thuc Si Ho – from parochial vicar at Saint Simon in Los Altos to parochial vicar at Saint Elizabeth in Milpitas
• Rev. John Hoang – from parochial vicar at Holy Spirit in San Jose to parochial vicar at Holy Family in San Jose
• Rev. Dat Luong – from parochial vicar at Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose to parochial vicar at Saint Simon in Los Altos
• Rev. Anthony Tan Nguyen – from parochial vicar at Christ the King in San Jose to parochial vicar at Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose
• Rev. Duong T. Nguyen – from parochial vicar at Saint Elizabeth in Milpitas to parochial vicar at Our Lady of Refuge in San Jose
• Rev. Eddie Obero – from parochial vicar at Saint Joseph in Mountain View to parochial vicar at Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose
• Rev. Jon Pedigo – from sabbatical to parochial vicar at Saint Lucy in Campbell
• Rev. Peter Luc Phan – from parochial vicar at Saint Martin in Sunnyvale to parochial vicar at Christ the King in San Jose
• Rev. Noel Sanvicente – from special assignment as Judicial Vicar to parochial vicar at Saint Joseph in Mountain View
• Rev. Reynaldo Sarmiento – from pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose to parochial vicar at Saint Francis Cabrini in San Jose

Special Assignments

• Rev. Jeff Fernandez has been appointed director, Office of Worship .
• Rev. Saju Joseph, JCL, has been appointed Judicial Vicar and director, Tribunal.
• Rev. Sergio Ovando will minister outside the Diocese of San José as Professor of Sacred Scripture at St. John’s Seminary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
• Rev. Joseph Tran – departing as parochial vicar of Saint Francis Cabrini to study Canon Law at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
• Rev. Greg Kimm  
• Rev. Xavier Lavagetto, O.P.
• Rev. John Tran, OFM