diocese of marquette priest assignments 2022

Deacons ordained into priesthood at St. Peter Cathedral

Brandon yanni and christian flagstadt were both certified as pastors friday..

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - The Catholic Diocese of Marquette has two new priests.

Christian Flagstadt and Brandon Yanni each attended seminary school in the Detroit area for over five years. The men were officially welcomed into the priesthood at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette Friday.

The Diocese of Marquette appointed Rev. Flagstadt as the associate pastor of St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph Church in Ishpeming, as well as the sacramental minister of St. Augustine Church in Republic and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion.

Rev. Yanni will be the associate pastor of All Saints Church in Gladstone. Rev. Flagstadt and Rev. Yanni said they are excited to preach sermons in the Upper Peninsula.

“At this point I’m just looking forward to getting in the parish and actually engaging in ministerial work, serving the people of God and working here in the Upper Peninsula,” Rev. Yanni said.

“I am definitely looking forward to getting into a parish and serving God’s people here in the Upper Peninsula,” Rev. Flagstadt said. “I have been in Detroit for the last seven years studying to be a priest and I am very excited to return to where I grew up.”

Rev. Yanni and Rev. Flagstadt each begin at their new positions on July 5.

Copyright 2022 WLUC. All rights reserved.

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Diocese Of Marquette – Priest Appointments Announced

The upcoming departure of a priest who has been serving in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette has led to a new round of clergy appointments. Father John Boyle, 55, will be relieved as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Gwinn and St. Joseph Mission in Northland, effective Oct. 20, for service as Director of the Archdiocesan Tribunal in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. He came to the Diocese of Marquette in 2010 on sabbatical from the Archdiocese of Southwark in England. Fr. Boyle holds a licentiate degree in canon law from the Angelicum University in Rome, where he attended school with the former bishop of Marquette, Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland.

Father Allen Mott, 39, will become the parochial administrator at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Gwinn and the Mission of St. Joseph in Northland, effective Nov. 12. In between Fr. Boyle’s departure and Fr. Mott’s arrival, Father Allan Mayotte, a senior priest of the diocese, will preside at Masses at the Gwinn and Northland churches the weekends of Oct. 26/27, Nov. 2/3 and Nov. 9/10.

Born in Escanaba, Fr. Mott was ordained a priest on June 6, 2003 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette by Bishop James Garland. He first served as associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and St. Mary Mission in Big Bay before moving on to St. Francis Xavier Parish in Brimley, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Mission in Bay Mills, Holy Name of Mary Parish in Sault Ste. Marie and Sacred Heart Mission on Sugar Island. Fr. Mott was then appointed pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in St. Ignace and Immaculate Conception Parish in Moran. In 2009, he became the pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Houghton and St. Anne Parish in Chassell.

The administrator of the Diocese of Marquette, Father Francis Dobrzenski (dob-JEN-skee), announced Fr. Mott’s new assignment, as well as the following clergy appointments, all of which will take effect on Nov. 12. Father Benjamin Hasse (pronounced HASS), 35, will succeed Fr. Mott and serve as parochial administrator of the parishes of St. Albert the Great in Houghton and St. Anne in Chassell. Fr. Hasse grew up in Kingsford and was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 2009 by Bishop Alexander Sample at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. His first priestly assignment was as associate pastor of St. Michael Parish in Marquette. Fr. Hasse then spent a year at Mundelein Seminary in Ill., earning a licentiate in Sacred Theology. He began his first pastorate just over a year ago at St. Sebastian Parish in Bessemer, Immaculate Conception Parish in Wakefield and St. Catherine Mission in Marenisco. Taking over as parochial administrator of the parishes in Bessemer and Wakefield and the mission in Marenisco will be Father Antony Lukka (LOO-ka), 47. Fr. Lukka is relieved as pastor of the parishes of St. John the Baptist in Garden, St. Andrew in Nahma and St. Mary Magdalene in Cooks after spending just over a year there. Before that, he served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in L’Anse, St. Ann Parish in Baraga and The Most Holy Name of Jesus-St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Assinins. A diocesan priest from India, Fr. Lukka was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1995. In addition to his ministry as an assistant pastor and pastor of parishes in his native country, he also served as a post-graduate teacher in chemistry, vice principal and principal of St. Antony’s Public School and Junior College in India.

In addition to serving as Director of Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden, Father Brian Gerber, 32, has been appointed parochial administrator of the parishes in Garden, Nahma and Cooks. Prior to beginning his new assignment at Marygrove this past July, Fr. Gerber had been serving as pastor of Resurrection Parish in Hancock and St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Dollar Bay. Born in Ironwood but growing up in Bruce Crossing, Fr. Gerber was ordained a priest on June 6, 2008 by Bishop Alexander Sample at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. After his ordination, he served as associate pastor of the parishes on the Garden peninsula that he is now heading. He then became the associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in L’Anse, St. Ann Parish in Baraga and The Most Holy Name of Jesus-St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Assinins. Father Mariusz Sierhart (MAHR-ee-oosh SURE-heart), 43, will reside at Marygrove Retreat Center with Fr. Gerber and assist him by serving as associate pastor of the parishes of St. John the Baptist, St. Andrew and St. Mary Magdalene. A diocesan priest from Poland, Fr. Sierhart came to the Diocese of Marquette in May and has been serving as associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and St. Mary Mission in Big Bay since July. He was ordained a priest on May 22, 2004 and served as associate pastor of three parishes in Poland.

Father Michael Chenier (sheh-NEER), 32, has been appointed sacramental minister of St. Peter Cathedral and the mission of St. Mary, while continuing to serve as associate pastor of St. Michael Parish in Marquette. A native of Flat Rock, Fr. Chenier was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 2009 by Bishop Alexander Sample at St. Peter Cathedral. Prior to beginning his ministry at St. Michael Parish this summer, he had been serving as associate pastor of the parishes of Holy Spirit and Resurrection in Menominee. He also briefly served Holy Redeemer Parish of Menominee (Birch Creek) in 2010.

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New Report Details Abuse Allegations At Marquette Catholic Diocese

MARQUETTE CLERGY ABUSE

It’s been almost exactly four years since search warrants were first delivered, and in that time Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued charges for 44 Michigan priests, 38 of which were employed or incardinated by the Diocese of Marquette.

“I’m announcing the release of a report by my department concerning allegations of abuse that took place in the Diocese of Marquette,” Attorney General Nessel said. “The report contains detailed descriptions of allegations of sexual abuse and other sexual misconduct. Including grooming against minors and adults going back to the 1950s.”

Eleven of the charges have been priests in the Marquette Disocese, but due to the statute of limitations, or in some cases the death of the priest involved, two have been prosecuted. One resulting in a conviction while the other is still pending.

“On behalf of the church, I offer a sincere apology to anyone who has been abused by clergy in the Catholic church. You are and should have been our priority. There is no excuse what happened to you,” Bishop John Doerfler of the Diocese of Marquette said.

The Attorney General’s office has secured seven convictions statewide giving justice to 38 survivors.

“Their willingness to come forward helped bring attention to an issue that has affected so many in our state and so many in our country, including children,” Attorney General Nessel said.

The state has hired a full-time victim advocate to support the hundreds of victims that have come forward. They say if you have any information about abuse in the Catholic church to reach out to the state’s hotline.

“In the end, we hope this report provides voice to those who have suffered in silence for so long and shines a light on those alleged offenders who escaped punishment for their crimes by hiding in the shadows,” Attorney General Nessel said.

A new report from the Michigan Attorney General’s office lays out a long history of abuse allegations at the Marquette Catholic Diocese.

The report is made up of victim interviews, police investigations, documents, tips to the Attorney General’s office, and disclosures from the diocese.

The Attorney General’s office says all seven Michigan dioceses agreed to cooperate with the investigation, and their willingness to pass along reports of abuse has been instrumental.

Michigan State Police were able to put together a list of accused priests after carrying out search warrants at the dioceses back in October 2018.

42 troopers, five officers from other law enforcement agencies and 15 special agents from the Attorney General’s office seized 220 boxes of papers and more than 3.5 million digital files.

The accusations of sexual abuse and other sexual misconduct, including grooming and misuse of authority against children and adults, goes all the way back to 1950.

Of the 44 priests on the list, 38 were employed or incardinated by the Diocese of Marquette.

Criminal charges against many of the accused are no longer possible because of the Statute of Limitations or because the priest has died.

The Attorney General’s office plans to release reports for each of the dioceses.

They have issued criminal charges in 11 cases across the state so far, with two related to priests at the Diocese of Marquette.

• People v. Vincent DeLorenzo – Scheduled for pretrial on Nov. 21, 2022.
• People v. Joseph “Jack” Baker – Baker was found guilty of one count first-degree criminal sexual conduct and is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 2, 2022.
• People v. Neil Kalina – Kalina was found guilty of two counts second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was sentenced to 7 to 15 years in prison.
• People v. Gary Berthiaume – Berthiaume pleaded guilty to two counts second-degree criminal sexual conduct and no contest to one count gross indecency.  He was sentenced to 17 months to 15 years and 17 months to 5 years in prison.
• People v. Gary Jacobs – Jacobs, formerly of the Diocese of Marquette, pleaded guilty to three counts first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Ontonagon County. He was sentenced to 8 to 15 years in prison with lifetime sex offender registration. Jacobs pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Dickinson County. He was sentenced to 8 to 15 years in prison with lifetime sex offender registration.
• People v. Joseph Comperchio – Comperchio, an organist, pleaded guilty to one count first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison.
• People v. Brian Stanley – Stanley pleaded guilty to attempted false imprisonment and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, probation, and sex offender registration.
• People v. Patrick Casey – Casey was charged with one count third-degree criminal sexual conduct and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 45 days jail and one year of probation.
• People v. Timothy Crowley – The case was originally dismissed in court in 2019. The Michigan Court of Appeals reinstated three of the charges. The defense has filed for an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.
• People v. Roy Joseph – Joseph was charged with one count first-degree criminal sexual conduct while ministering in the Diocese of Marquette. He is awaiting extradition from India.
• People v. Jacob Vellian – Vellian was charged with two counts of rape under the previous criminal sexual conduct statute. He is awaiting extradition from India.

You can read the .

Please send any tips to the investigation hotline at 844-324-3374 or by email to [email protected]

Victims in need of additional resources should contact 855-VOICES4 (855-864-2374).

© 2023 - 910 Media Group

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Catholic clergy changes and appointments.

June 18, 2015 News Leave a comment 967 Views

A few priests are packing their bags and preparing to begin new assignments in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, while others are receiving their first appointment, and one priest is retiring. Most of the clergy changes and appointments announced by Bishop John F. Doerfler take effect on July 1.

Father Daniel Zaloga, 75, is being relieved as pastor of St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish in Iron Mountain, granted senior priest status and released to join the Companions of Christ the Lamb in Paradise. A native of Detroit, Fr. Zaloga was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Marquette on June 3, 1967 by Bishop Thomas Noa. During his 48 years of priesthood, he has served the following parishes and missions: St. Francis de Sales in Manistique, St. Ignatius Loyola in Houghton, St. Gregory in Newberry, Our Lady of Victory in Paradise, St. Edward in Alpha, St. Mary in Amasa, Holy Name of Mary in Sault Ste. Marie, Guardian Angels in Crystal Falls, and St. Rose in Channing. Fr. Zaloga has been the pastor of St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish in Iron Mountain for the last 19 years.

In addition, he served on the faculty of Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich. for several years. Other posts he has held include Catholic Chaplain at Newberry State Hospital, Auxiliary Chaplain at the radar base in Sault Ste. Marie, Ordinary Confessor to the Carmelite Monastery in Iron Mountain, Port Chaplain for the Apostleship of the Sea at Sault Ste. Marie, and Faithful Friar for Northern District #5 of the Knights of Columbus.

Father Janusz Romanek, 39, will succeed Fr. Zaloga as pastor of St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish in Iron Mountain. He is being relieved as pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Goetzville, Our Lady of the Snows Mission in Hessel, Sacred Heart Parish in DeTour Village and St. Florence Mission on Drummond Island. He will also relinquish his position as Vicar Forane of the Holy Name of Mary Vicariate.

This is actually a return trip for Fr. Romanek to St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish, where he served a five-month stint as associate pastor in 2010. In the past, he has been the associate pastor at the following parishes: St. Rose in Channing, Sacred Heart in L’Anse, St. Ann in Baraga, The Most Holy Name of Jesus-St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Assinins, and St. Anne in Escanaba. Fr. Romanek was ordained a priest on June 8, 2007 by Bishop Alexander Sample after coming to the U.S. from Poland to attend Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

An official clergy appointment to the parishes and missions in Goetzville, Hessel, DeTour and Drummond Island will be forthcoming.

Father Jeffrey Kurtz, 57, is being relieved as pastor of Guardian Angels Parish in Crystal Falls and placed on long term health leave.

Father Jose Maramattam, 61, will take over as administrator of Guardian Angels and will leave his post as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Sault Ste. Marie. Prior to his move to the Soo, Fr. Maramattam served as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gladstone. A native of India, Fr. Maramattam was ordained a priest on February 2, 1980 for the Diocese of Kanjirapally in Kerala. While in India, he served as an assistant pastor of two parishes and then a pastor of eight parishes. After coming to the Diocese of Marquette in 2005, he served as associate pastor of St. Anne Parish in Escanaba, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bark River and St. John Neumann Parish in Hermansville and Spalding.

Father Michael Chenier, 33, is being assigned to his first pastorate. He will succeed Fr. Maramattam as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Sault Ste. Marie. Fr. Chenier is currently serving as associate pastor of St. Michael Parish in Marquette and sacramental minister of St. Christopher Parish, also in Marquette. A native of Flat Rock, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 2009 by Bishop Sample. Other parishes and missions he has served include St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and St. Mary in Big Bay, as well as Holy Spirit, Resurrection and Holy Redeemer in Menominee.

One of the priests ordained by Bishop John Doerfler on May 29 of this year, Father Brandon Oman, 33, will be the new associate pastor of St. Michael Parish in Marquette. He will also serve as sacramental minister of St. Christopher Parish. Fr. Oman is originally from Ralph.

Father Francis Ricca, 64, has been assigned as pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in St. Ignace and Immaculate Conception Parish in Moran and administrator of St. Anne Parish on Mackinac Island. He will take over from Father Frank Lenz, who was appointed temporary administrator of those three faith communities at the end of April when Father Pawel Mecwel went on a leave of absence.

Fr. Ricca lived in the Copper Country most of his life and was ordained to the priesthood when he was 55 years old. Bishop James Garland ordained Fr. Ricca on December 16, 2005. His first appointment as associate pastor was at Resurrection Parish in Hancock and St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Dollar Bay. From there, he went to the parishes of Resurrection and Holy Spirit in Menominee, followed by St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. His first pastorate was at Holy Rosary Parish in Grand Marais, St. Gregory Parish in Newberry and St. Stephen Mission in Naubinway. His stint at Grand Marais only lasted a few months, but he has been the pastor of St. Gregory, St. Stephen and Our Lady of Victory Mission in Paradise since 2008.

Taking over as pastor of the parishes and missions in Newberry, Naubinway and Paradise will be Father Martin Flynn, 48. This will be his first pastorate. He will be leaving his position as associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and St. Mary Mission in Big Bay. Fr. Flynn was ordained a priest at the age of 46 on December 14, 2012 by Bishop Sample. He was then appointed associate pastor of Holy Spirit Parish and Resurrection Parish in Menominee, before being assigned as associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Lake Linden. Fr. Flynn was born in Marshall, Mich., but lived in the Upper Peninsula most of his life, having resided in Gulliver, Steuben and the Manistique area.

Father Timothy Ferguson, 47, has been appointed associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and St. Mary Mission in Big Bay. This is his first assignment after being ordained to the priesthood on May 29 by Bishop Doerfler. Fr. Ferguson is originally from Saginaw.

Father Bradley Sjoquist, 28, will soon begin his first appointment in the diocese after being ordained a priest last month. A native of Kingsford, he will be going to Menominee as associate pastor of Holy Spirit Parish and Resurrection Parish.

The current associate pastor of those two Menominee parishes, Father Ryan Ford, 31, is being sent to study for a Licentiate Degree in the New Evangelization and to serve on the faculty of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit for a period of three years. Fr. Ford was ordained a priest on June 3, 2011 by Bishop Sample. He has been in Menominee for nearly two years and served as associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and St. Mary Mission in Big Bay for two years before that. He is a native of Gladstone. Fr. Ford’s new assignment will begin on Aug. 3.

In addition to the three priests ordained last month, Bishop Doerfler ordained two transitional deacons. Since his ordination, Deacon Jernej Šuštar has been serving in St. Gregory Parish in Newberry, Our Lady of Victory Mission in Paradise and St. Stephen Mission in Naubinway with Father Francis Ricca. His deacon internship will conclude on June 22. Deacon Aaron Nowicki is currently serving his deacon internship in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bark River and St. Joseph Mission in Foster City with Father Darryl Pepin. His internship will last through August 19.

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2022 priest assignments announced

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the following priest assignments, effective July 12 unless otherwise noted:

• Newly ordained Father Darren Balkey is assigned as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Winston-Salem.

• Father Jason Barone , parochial administrator of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sapphire, is assigned as pastor as of July 5 to coincide with St. Jude being elevated from a mission of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard to a parish in the Diocese of Charlotte.

• Father Matthew Bean , parochial vicar at St. Mark Catholic Church, is assigned as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hendersonville.

• Father Walner D. Diaz, C.M. , as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Charlotte. Vincentian Father Diaz was ordained June 4 in Philadelphia by his order, the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, and he began his ministry at the Charlotte parish on June 20.

• Father Enrique González-Gaytan , who has been on sabbatical, has been assigned as parochial vicar to St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte as of July 12. He is replacing Father Francis Raji , M.S.P., who is being reassigned by his order as of July 31.

• Newly ordained Father Aaron Huber is assigned as parochial vicar at St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville.

• Father Baiju Paul Puthussery, OSFS, is assigned to serve at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point, effective upon his arrival (expected fall of 2022).

— Catholic News Herald

BishopAccountability.org

State investigation finds abuse allegations against dozens of priests in diocese of marquette dating back decades.

October 27, 2022

By Steve Carmody

A new report by the Michigan attorney general’s office identifies dozens of abuse allegations against Catholic priests in the Upper Peninsula.

The report is part of an ongoing state investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving Catholic priests. In this case, the data stems from a search warrant served on the Diocese of Marquette in 2018 and additional tips.

The report identifies 44 priests for which there were allegations of sexual misconduct against either children or adults since January of 1950. 32 of the priests are known or presumed to be dead. Of the 12 others, two are still involved in active ministry.

Bishop John Doerfler apologized to the victims at a news conference Thursday, saying “words fall short.”

“Even though almost all the abuse in our diocese occurred decades ago, the wounds run very deep and many people are still suffering today,” said Doerfler.

Since the state investigation began, 11 priests have been criminal charged, including two with ties to the Marquette Diocese.

“The Department of Attorney General is committed to ensuring that every case of sexual abuse and assault is thoroughly reviewed and that whenever we are able to pursue justice we do so relentlessly and aggressively,” said Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General.

Nessel notes the Diocese of Marquette worked in partnership with the Department of Attorney General to pass along reports of allegations.

However, there is one name in the list that Bishop Doerfler suggests should not be.

The report details an allegation against Fr. Mark McQuestern, dating back to 1986 or ’87. He is one of two priests named in the report who remain in active ministry, despite being retired.

Bishop Doerfler says the allegation against McQuestern is “not a credible allegation.”

The bishop says the diocese used an investigator with a background in law enforcement, who found the allegation not to be creditable. He says an independent review board, primarily composed of Catholic lay people, also found the allegation not to be credible.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.

https://www.michiganradio.org/criminal-justice-legal-system/2022-10-27/state-investigation-finds-abuse-allegations-against-dozens-of-priests-in-diocese-of-marquette-dating-back-decades

News Releases & Statements

News releases from the diocese.

• Diocese announces school closing
• Bishop Lohse announces clergy appointments effective May 1, 2024
• Bishop Lohse announces diaconal ministry appointments
• Bishop Lohse 2024 Catholic Schools Week Letter to Parents and Families
• Bishop Lohse 2024 Catholic Schools Week Letter to Educators and Staff
• Pastoral Assignments Changes November 20 2023
• Diocesan statement on Attorney General Report on Diocese of Gaylord
• Priest Appointment October 16 2023
• Priest Assignment Announcement - October 2, 2023
• Pope Francis appoints Bishop Bradley Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Steubenville
• Diocese announces 2023 Founder Award winners for Outstanding Service
• Bishop Bradley announces new priest assignments - May 30, 2023
• Pope Francis names new Bishop for Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo
• Priest Appointment Announcement April 3 2023
• Bishop Grants General Dispensation for March 17 2023
• Bishop Bradley's Lenten Message 2023
• Father James O'Leary 1935-2023 (Feb. 5, 2023)
• Bishop Bradley Releases Letter to Catholic School Educators and Staff Members
• Christmas Message to the Faithful from Bishop Bradley
• Christmas Message to the Faithful ESPANOL
• Bishop Bradley's Thanksgiving 2022 Message
• Bishop Bradley's Thanksgiving Message SPANISH
• Bishop Bradley releases Letter to the Faithful calling for prayer and fasting for unborn
• Bishop Bradley releases statement on passing of Prop 3
• Diocesan statement on release of Attorney General Report on Diocese of Marquette
• Bishop Bradley Releases Letter to the Faithful on Prop 3
• Priest Assignments Sept 2022
• Decree on Diocesan Synod
• Bishop announces 2022 Founder's Society Awards for Outstanding Service
• Bishop rejoices in overturn of Roe v Wade
• Bishop Bradley offers Reflection on the Sanctity of Human Life
• Bishop announces additional priest assignments June 13 2022
• Bishop Bradley announces additional priest assignments June 6, 2022
• Statement on Texas School Shooting Tragedy May 24 2022
• Diocesan statement
• Bishop Bradley Letter to the Faithful: An Invitation and Encouragement to Re-engage with our Faith
• Bishop Bradley Letter to the Faithful SPANISH
• BIshop Bradley offers Holy Week encouragement to come to Church
• Rev. Lawrence Farrell 1944-2022
• Bishop Bradley Letter to the Faithful: Protecting the Fundamental Freedom to Live
• SPANISH Bishop Bradley's Letter to the Faithful Proteger la libertad fundamental de vivir
• Bishop Bradley Releases Lenten Message for 2022
• Bishop Bradley Releases Lenten Message in Spanish
• Bishop Bradley Calls for Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace to be observed on March 2 2022
• Bishop Bradley's Letter World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
• SPANISH BIshop's Letter Word Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
• Bishop Bradley's Letter to Educators and Staff for Catholic Schools Week
• Bishop Bradley Letter to the Faithful on National Day of Prayer for the Unborn
• SPANISH Letter to the Faithful on the National Day of Prayer for the Unborn
• Diocesan Statement August 2021
• Bishop Bradley Releases Letter to the Faithful on the Eucharist
• June 2021 Priest Assignments
• Catholic Charities expands services with transition
• Statement on Motu Proprio, Traditionis custodes
• MI Bishops Statement on Vaccines
• January 2021 Priest Announcements
• Diocesan statement on inauguration of 46th president
• Diocese releases clarification on 2020 Presidential Election statement
• Diocese releases statement on Vatican report
• November 2020 Clergy Assignments
• Bishop applauds Pope Francis’ latest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti
• Bishop Bradley releases letter extending general dispensation
• Diocese prepares for return to public mass
• Letter to the Faithful on coronavirus
• Diocesan Statement
• March 2020 Priest Assignments
• February 2020 Priest Assignments
• Diocesan Statement regarding Fr. Richard Fritz
• Diocesan Statement on Rev. Brian Stanley

December 23, 2018 - Bishop Bradley releases 2018 Christmas message December 17, 2018 - Bishop Bradley announces priest assignments and collaborative realignments December 13, 2018 - Diocese statement on Rev. Stanley Witek December 10, 2018 - Bishop Bradley consecrates Diocese to the protection of Mary December 3, 2018 - Diocese to hold Memorial Mass for Bishop Morlino on December 15 November 25, 2018 - Bishop Bradley releases statement on the passing of Bishop Robert C. Morlino November 18, 2018 - Statement regarding Rev. Stanley Witek November 16, 2018 - Bishop Bradley releases statement on USCCB Fall General Assembly November 8, 2018 - Bishop Bradley releases statement on shooting in southern California November 5, 2018 - Bishop Bradley invites faithful to join bishops in seven-day novena before USCCB meeting October 29, 2018 - Bishop Bradley announces priest assignments and appointments October 28, 2018 - Bishop Bradley releases statement on Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting October 24, 2018 - Statement regarding Fr. Richard Altine October 23, 2018 - Bishop releases Letter to the Faithful regarding Attorney General investigation October 16, 2018 - Bishop Bradley offers prayers on the sudden passing of Bishop Joseph R Cistone October 12, 2018 - Letter from Vicar General regarding Diocese of Lansing priest Fr. Robert Gerl October 11, 2018 - Diocese statement regarding Rev. Robert Gerl October 3, 2018 - Diocese releases statement regarding AG investigation search warrant September 23, 2018 - Bishop releases Letter to the Faithful regarding Attorney General investigation September 14, 2018 - Bishop Bradley releases A Plan to Protect August 19, 2018 - Bishop Bradley Letter to the Faithful in regard to clergy sex abuse crisis August 15, 2018 - Bishop Bradley's statement on Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report August 3, 2018 - Bishop affirms Church's commitment to protecting all God's people  

November 5, 2017: Bishop expresses sorrow over tragic events in Texas

September 5, 2017: Bishop Bradley affirms support after decision announced to end DACA

May 3, 2017: Statement regarding case involving Fr. Richard Fritz

April 23, 2017: Fr. Leo Taubitz passes away

January 30, 2017: Bishop Bradley affirms support of refugee, migrant and immigrant communities January 3, 2017: Bishop Bradley releases New Year's letter to the faithful

October 9, 2016: Diocese releases statement on financial investigation September 16, 2016: Ed Carey appointed CFO for the Diocese July 12, 2016: Bishop Bradley urges prayers for peace in aftermath of Berrien County Courthouse shooting

July 8, 2016: Bishop Bradley releases statement on the violence and shooting deaths this week June 14: Fr. Ken Schmidt's homily for Mr. Larry Paulik and Mr. Tony Nelson's Funeral Mass June 12: Bishop Bradley invites all to unite in prayer for the end of violence in the wake of terrorist attack in Orlando June 8: Bishop Bradley calls for prayers in wake of cycling tragedy in Kalamazoo May 23: Bishop Bradley announces priest assigments; moves forward with "Diocesan Pastoral Plan: A Future Full of Hope."   Media kit includes listing of priests alphabetically (by last name); list of priest assignments to the 28 Parish Collaboratives (listed alphabetically by county) and an overview of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.  May 20 - St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship recipients announced April 8 -  Bishop Bradley's statement on Amoris Laetitia

Feb. 22 - Bishop Bradley honors Kalamazoo County shooting victims at Mass

Bishop Duca Announces New Clergy Assignments

• Vocations & Seminarians
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• The Catholic Commentator
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• Diaconate Formation
• Digital Communications

*Additional appointments that were made after the release of these assignments. See the updated list here . In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointments effective 01 July 2022:

Retirement of Pastors

Father Phil Spano , currently Pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament in Baton Rouge, will retire from active parish administration.

Father Miles Walsh , currently Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baton Rouge, will retire from active parish administration.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge thanks these priests for their many years of service to the people of our local Church!

Leave of Absence

Father Joseph Vu , currently Pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary in St. Amant, has requested a leave of absence from active ministry, and Bishop Duca has granted this request effective 01 July 2022.

Reassignment of Religious Clergy

As was previously announced, the priests and deacons of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) stationed in Hammond have been reassigned by their Superior to other ministries outside of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. We are grateful for the ministry of these priests and deacons including Father Roberto Merced, OP , currently Pastor of Holy Ghost in Hammond, Father Cayet Mangiaracina, OP , currently Parochial Vicar of Holy Ghost in Hammond, Father Michael O’Rourke, OP , currently Chaplain of St. Albert the Great Student Center in Hammond, and Deacon Mauricio Salazar, OP , currently Deacon Assistant at Holy Ghost in Hammond. Their service will end on 30 June 2022.

Pastor Appointments

Father David Dawson , currently Parochial Vicar of St. George in Baton Rouge, is appointed Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini in Livonia, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Maringouin, and St. Joseph in Grosse Tete.

Father Arun John, IMS , currently Administrator of St. Frances Cabrini in Livonia, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Maringouin, and St. Joseph in Grosse Tete, is appointed Pastor of St. John the Baptist in Brusly.

Father Joshua Johnson , currently Parochial Vicar of Christ the King at LSU in Baton Rouge, is appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baton Rouge . Father Johnson will retain his diocesan assignment as Vocations Director.

Father C. Todd Lloyd , currently Pastor of Immaculate Conception in Lakeland, is appointed Pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament in Baton Rouge.

Father Matthew Lorrain , currently Pastor of St. John the Baptist in Brusly, is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in St. Amant.

Father Amrit Raj, IMS , currently Parochial Vicar of St. Frances Cabrini in Livonia, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Maringouin, and St. Joseph in Grosse Tete, is appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception in Lakeland.

Father Tomi Thomas, IMS , currently Administrator of St. Jules in Belle Rose and St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Paincourtville, is appointed Pastor of these same communities.

Administrator Appointments

Father Jamin David , currently Pastor of St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland in Albany, is appointed Administrator of Holy Ghost in Hammond and St. Albert the Great Student Center in Hammond. He will retain his appointment as Pastor of St. Margaret in Albany and his several diocesan responsibilities including his service as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. He will be relieved of his responsibilities as Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate.

Parochial Vicar Appointments

Father Bernard Banares , a priest of the Diocese of Legazpi in the Philippines, is appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. George in Baton Rouge.  (This assignment date is effective pending the processing of his religious visa.)

Father Mathew Dunn , currently Parochial Vicar of St. John the Evangelist in Prairieville, is appointed as Parochial Vicar of Holy Ghost in Hammond.

Father Tim Grimes , currently Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part, is appointed as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baton Rouge.

Father Charbel Jamhoury , a priest of the Lebanese Maronite Order, is appointed as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mercy in Baton Rouge. (This assignment date is effective pending the processing of his religious visa.)  

Diaconate Appointments

In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointments effective 01 July 2022:

Deacon John Veron , currently Deacon Assistant at St. George in Baton Rouge, is appointed as Deacon Assistant at St. Gabriel the Archangel in St. Gabriel. He will retain his assignment as Director of the Office of Diaconate Life and Ministry.

(Those Being Ordained 28 May 2022)

In consultation with the Vocations Office and the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointments effective 30 May 2022:

Deacon Albert Blount is appointed as Deacon Assistant at Immaculate Conception in Denham Springs.

Deacon Joseph Bresowar is appointed as Deacon Assistant at St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland in Albany.

(Those Being Ordained 13 August 2022)

In consultation with the Office of the Diaconate, the Office of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate, and the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointments effective 15 August 2022:

Deacon Ed Hanks is appointed as Deacon Assistant at St. Joseph in Ponchatoula with his assigned Ministry of Charity to serve as a Volunteer Chaplain at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.

Deacon Tram Phan is appointed as Deacon Assistant at Sts. Anthony of Padua and Emmanuel Le Van Phung in Baton Rouge with his assigned Ministry of Charity to minister to the infirm in Nursing Homes in North Baton Rouge in cooperation with the Diocesan Office of Life, Peace, and Justice. Deacon Phan will also serve as Diocesan Liaison to the Vietnamese Apostolate.

Deacon Randall Waguespack is appointed as Deacon Assistant at Holy Ghost in Hammond .

Deacon Pat Witty is appointed as Deacon Assistant at St. Mary of False River in New Roads with his assigned Ministry of Charity to the infirm at Pointe Coupee General Hospital and Pointe Coupee Hospice.  

Other Appointments

Father Peter Dang , currently Chaplain to the Baton Rouge General Medical Center in Baton Rouge and in residence at Our Lady of Mercy in Baton Rouge will retain his chaplaincy while in residence at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baton Rouge.

Father Reuben Dykes is appointed Secretary of the Evangelization Secretariat . Father Dykes will retain his assignment as Pastor of Mater Dolorosa in Independence and Dean of the Northeast Deanery. He will replace Father Ryan Hallford as Secretary of Evangelization.

Father Paul Gros is appointed Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate . He will replace Fr. Jamin David who has served in this capacity for numerous years. Father Gros will be relieved of his assignment as Chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas Diocesan Regional High School in Hammond.

Further announcements from the Bishop’s Office will be forthcoming.

Congratulations to all these men on their new appointments!

Given at the Chancery of Baton Rouge 14 May 2022, the Feast of St. Matthias

SEE ALL OF THE 2022-2023 ASSIGNMENTS

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• Magnificat (English)
• Annual Catholic Appeal
• Donation Page for Priest Retirement and Seminarian Education Collection
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Changes in Priest Assignments 05.27.2022

Father Jaime Chacón

Father Jaime Chacón, pastor of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Ellensburg, was appointed pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Moxee May 21, 2022, following the death May 20 of Father John Murtagh. Fr. Chacón remains pastor of St. Andrew through June 30, 2022. He was ordained a priest May 21, 2004.

Father Alejandro Trejo

Father Alejandro Trejo, pastor of Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church in Mattawa, is appointed pastor of St. Andrew effective July 1, 2022, while remaining pastor of Our Lady of the Desert through July 31. He was ordained a priest May 23, 2003.

Father Lalo Barragán

Father Lalo Barragán, vice rector of Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon, is appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Desert effective August 1, 2022. He finishes a five-year assignment at the seminary June 30, 2022. He was ordained a priest May 23, 2014.

Father Gerardo Cisneros

Father Gerardo Cisneros, who was appointed parochial vicar of St. Andrew effective April 1, is appointed parochial vicar of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Quincy effective June 1, 2022. Ordained a priest June 3, 2006, he was released from the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in April for one year to discern diocesan priesthood.

Father Edwin Lozada

Father Edwin Lozada, of the Diocese of Pereira, Colombia, continues as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moses Lake, where he began service in December 2021. Ordained a priest March 3, 2013, he has been released by his bishop for up to five years of service here.

Father Christian Melendez

Fr. Christian Melendez, ordained a priest May 27, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wenatchee, is assigned to further studies effective July 1, 2022 while serving on weekends in parishes as needed. He is studying to complete the Washington State requirements to be a licensed clinical psychologist. He will reside in Yakima at St. Paul Cathedral.

Please keep these men in your prayers as they serve the faithful of the Diocese of Yakima.

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Clerical and Parish Assignments Announced for 2022

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Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw, announced the following clerical and parish assignments, effective July 1, 2022:

Senior Priest

Reverend Joseph Griffin, from Pastor, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Midland, to Senior Priest.

Reverend William Gruden from Pastor, of Saint Peter Parish, Chesaning & Saint Cyril, Bannister to Senior Priest.

Reverend Robert Paré, from Pastor, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish of Caseville, to Senior Priest.

Reverend Stephen Blaxton from Parochial Administrator, to Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Sandusky/Marlette/Peck.

Reverend Matthew Federico from Parochial Administrator of Holy Apostles Parish, Ruth and Saint Isidore Parish, Parisville/Palms to Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Pinconning.

Reverend Robert Kelm from Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Bay City to Pastor of Holy Apostles Parish, Ruth and Saint Isidore Parish, Parisville/Palms.

Reverend Andrew LaFramboise from Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish, Freeland to Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Parish, Reese and Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Vassar.

Reverend Kevin Maksym from Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Pinconning to Pastor of Saint Peter Parish, Chesaning & Saint Cyril, Bannister.

Reverend Christian Tabares from Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Parish, Reese and Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Vassar to Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish, Freeland

Parochial Administrators

Reverend George Amos from Parochial Administrator of Holy Name of Mary Parish, Harbor Beach to Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Caseville/Pigeon.

Reverend Kevin Wojciechowski from Parochial Vicar of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Saginaw to Parochial Administrator of Holy Name of Mary Parish, Harbor Beach.

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Sacramental Minister

Reverend Adam Maher to Sacramental Minister of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish of Midland, effective September 1, 2022. Father Maher will continue as Chaplain of Campus Ministry at Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Campus Ministry at Saginaw Valley State University.

Reverend Robert Paré, to Sacramental Minister at Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City/ Sebewaing/Gagetown.

PLEASE NOTE :    The following have been re-appointed to their current assignments:

Reverend John Cotter, Pastor of Saint Michael Parish of Maple Grove and Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Saint Charles for another year. 

Reverend Richard Filary, Pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish of Bay City, and Judicial Vicar of Tribunal for another year.

Reverend Loren Kalinowski, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish of Mt. Pleasant for another year.

Reverend Dale Orlik, Pastor of Saint Jude Thaddeus Parish of Essexville for another year.

Reverend Thomas Sutton, Pastor of Saint Gabriel Parish of Auburn for another year.

Service Outside the Diocese

Reverend Theodore Nnabugo from Pastoral Administrator of Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City/ Sebewaing/Gagetown to pursue opportunities outside the Diocese.

On May 2, 2022, the Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw, announced the following additional clerical and parish assignments, effective July 1, 2022:

• Directors of Parish Life

John Graveline to Director of Parish Life, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Midland

Hank Messing, to Director of Parish Life, Corpus Christi Parish, Bay City

As of June 25, 2022:

Rev. Baltha Raj Bandaru has been appointed parochial administrator pro-tem at St. Paul the Apostle Parish of Ithaca/Perrinton, while Rev. Edwin C. Dwyer is on administrative leave. 

As of August 27, 2022:

Rev. Edwin C. Dwyer returned to parish ministry at St. Paul the Apostle Parish of Ithaca/Perrinton.

As of December 12, 2022:

Rev. Baltha Raj Bandaru has been appointed parochial administrator pro-tem at St. Peter Parish of Chesaning and St. Cyril Parish of Bannister, while Rev. Kevin Maksym is on administrative leave of absence.

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Search Parishes

Search catholic diocese of richmond, bishop knestout announces clergy assignments effective july 1, 2022.

Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond, has announced the following clergy appointments effective Friday, July 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted.

Father Rolo Castillo, from pastor of St. John the Evangelist, Waynesboro, to pastor of Christ the King, Abingdon, and St. John the Evangelist, Marion. *Effective Monday, Aug. 1, 2022

Father Romeo Jazmin, from pastor of Prince of Peace, Chesapeake, to pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe; St. Joseph, Hampton; and St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News.

Father Emmanuel Mensah , from pastor of St. Mary of the Presentation, Suffolk, to pastor of the Shrine of the Infant of Prague, Wakefield, and St. Jude, Franklin.

Father Francis Musolooza, from pastor of Christ the King, Abingdon, and St. John the Evangelist, Marion, to pastor of St. John the Evangelist, Waynesboro. *Effective Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.

Father Charles Ssebalamu, from pastor of St. Jude, Christiansburg, to pastor of St. Stephen, Martyr, Chesapeake.

Father John Walugembe , from pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News, to pastor of Prince of Peace, Chesapeake.

From Administrator to Pastor

(Same location)

Father Patricio Alcantara , from administrator to pastor of Holy Spirit, Christiansburg, and Holy Family, Pearisburg.

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

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

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

Father Francis Boateng , from administrator to pastor of St. Mary the Mother of God, Wytheville, and St. Edward, Pulaski.

Father Magnus Tochi Iwuji , from administrator to pastor of St. Theresa, Farmville; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Blackstone; and Sacred Heart, Meherrin.

Father Raner Lucila , from administrator to pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, Clarksville; St. Paschal Baylon, South Boston; and Good Shepherd, South Hill.

Father Peter Naah , from administrator to pastor of St. Matthew, Virginia Beach.

Father George Prado , from administrator to pastor of St. Jerome, Newport News.

Administrator and Campus Ministry Chaplain

Father Cassidy Stinson , from parochial vicar of St. Bede, Williamsburg, to administrator of St. Jude, Christiansburg, and chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry serving Radford University.

Parochial Vicars

Father Peter Barfi , from parochial vicar of St. Gabriel, Chesterfield, and Good Samaritan, Amelia, to parochial vicar of Church of the Holy Angels, Portsmouth; Church of the Resurrection, Portsmouth; St. Paul, Portsmouth; and St. Mary, Chesapeake.

Father Anthony Ferguson,  from parochial vicar of St. Andrew, Roanoke, to parochial vicar of St. Bede, Williamsburg.

Father Thomas Lawrence , from parochial vicar of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe, and St. Joseph, Hampton, to parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News, in addition to St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe, and St. Joseph, Hampton.

Father Christopher Masla , from parochial vicar of Church of the Incarnation, Charlottesville, and Our Lady of the Rosary, Crozet, to parochial vicar of St. Andrew, Roanoke.

Father Daniel Molochko , from parochial vicar of Church of the Holy Angels, Portsmouth; Church of the Resurrection, Portsmouth; St. Paul, Portsmouth; and St. Mary, Chesapeake, to parochial vicar of Church of the Incarnation, Charlottesville, and Our Lady of the Rosary, Crozet.

Father Santos Ramirez Chicas , from parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg, to parochial vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes, Henrico.

Father Julio Reyes , from parochial vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes, Henrico, to parochial vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Salem, and St. Gerard, Roanoke.

New International Priests

(Appointed in June for July 1 assignment)

Pastor of St. Mary of the Presentation, Suffolk.

Parochial vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Clarksville; St. Paschal Baylon, South Boston; and Good Shepherd, South Hill.

Parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg.

Parochial vicar of St. Michael the Archangel, Glen Allen.

Retired Status

Msgr. Walter Barrett , from pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe, and St. Joseph, Hampton, to retired status.

Father Richard Mooney , from parochial vicar of St. Catherine of Siena, Clarksville; St. Paschal Baylon, South Boston; and Good Shepherd, South Hill, to retired status.

Father Brian Rafferty , from pastor of St. Stephen, Martyr, Chesapeake, to retired status.

Father Frank Wiggins , from parochial vicar of St. Augustine, Richmond, to retired status.

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Priests receive new assignments

The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, makes the following appointments in the Diocese of Saint Cloud, effective at noon, June 29, 2022:

Reverend Richard Aubol from parochial vicar of the Church of Saint Francis de Sales, Belgrade, the Church of Saint Donatus, Brooten, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Elrosa, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, Sauk Centre, the Church of Saint Paul, Sauk Centre, and the Church of Saint Alexius, West Union, to parochial vicar of the Church of Saint Mary, Alexandria, the Church of Saint Nicholas, Belle River, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Osakis;

Reverend Mark Botzet from parochial vicar of the Church of the Holy Family, Belle Prairie, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Little Falls, and the Church of Saint Mary, Little Falls, to parochial vicar of the Church of Saint Francis de Sales, Belgrade, the Church of Saint Donatus, Brooten, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Elrosa, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, Sauk Centre, the Church of Saint Paul, Sauk Centre, and the Church of Saint Alexius, West Union;

Reverend Matthew Crane from pastor of the Church of Saint Wendelin, Luxemburg, the Church of the Holy Cross, Pearl Lake, and the Church of Saint Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta, to continuing as adjutant judicial vicar for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Saint Cloud in addition to canonical work for the Diocese.

Reverend Patrick Hoeft from parochial vicar of the Church of Saint Elizabeth, Elizabeth, the Church of Our Lady of Victory, Fergus Falls, and the Church of Saint Leonard of Port Mauritius, Pelican Rapids, to parochial vicar of the Church of the Holy Family, Belle Prairie, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Little Falls, and the Church of Saint Mary, Little Falls.

Reverend Matthew Kuhn as pastor of the Church of Saint Nicholas, Belle River, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Osakis, while continuing as pastor of the Church of Saint Mary, Alexandria.

Reverend David Petron from pastor of the Church of Saint Nicholas, Belle River, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Osakis, to retirement.

Reverend Gregory Sauer to pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Opole, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rice, while continuing as pastor of the Church of Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Bowlus, the Church of the Holy Cross, North Prairie, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, Royalton.

Given at the Chancery Jane M. Marrin, Chancellor Saint Cloud, Minnesota May 4, 2022

The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, after presentation by the Most Reverend Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, makes the following appointment in the Diocese of Saint Cloud, effective June 29, 2022:

Reverend Erik Lundgren from parochial vicar of the Church of Saint Anne, Kimball, the Church of Saint Wendelin, Luxemburg, the Church of the Holy Cross, Pearl Lake, the Church of Saint Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta, and the Church of Saint Nicholas, St. Nicholas, to parochial administrator of the Church of Saint Wendelin, Luxemburg, the Church of the Holy Cross, Pearl Lake, and the Church of Saint Mary Help of Christians, St. Augusta.

Author: Bishop Donald Kettler

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Priest Assignments

Father Dan Juelfs, diocesan administrator, has announced the following priest assignments. All of the assignments are effective July 1, 2024.

New Parish Assignments

Fr. Jonathan Dillon is released from assignment as Pastor of the Parishes of St. Joseph in Gregory, Immaculate Conception in Bonesteel, Sacred Heart in Burke, St. Anthony in Fairfax and assigned as Administrator of the Parishes of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Martin, Our Lady of Victory in Kadoka, St. Patrick in Wall, and St. Margaret in Lakeside.

Fr. Ron Garry is released from assignment as Pastor of the Parishes of St. John the Evangelist in Fort Pierre and St. Anthony in Draper and assigned as Administrator of the Parishes of St. Joseph in Gregory, Immaculate Conception in Bonesteel, Sacred Heart in Burke, and St. Anthony in Fairfax.

Fr. Janusz Korban is released from assignment as Pastor of the Parishes of St. Joseph in Faith, St. Anthony in Red Owl and St. Joseph in Mud Butte and assigned as Administrator of the Parishes of St. John the Evangelist in Fort Pierre and St. Anthony in Draper.

Fr. Joshua Lee is released from assignment as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of St. Joseph in Spearfish and St. Paul Belle Fourche and assigned as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City and St. Michael in Hermosa. He will also provide ministry for the Rapid City Catholic School System.

Fr. Francis Nsubuga is released from assignment as Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Rapid City and assigned as Parochial Vicar for the Parishes of St. Joseph in Spearfish and St. Paul in Belle Fourche.

Fr. Michael Oli is released from assignment as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of St. Therese in Rapid City and St. John in New Underwood and assigned as Administrator of the Parishes of St. Joseph in Faith, St. Anthony in Red Owl, St. Joseph in Mud Butte.

Fr. Leonard Ssenyonjo is released from assignment as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City and St. Michael in Hermosa and assigned as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of St. Therese in Rapid City and St. John in New Underwood.

Fr. Robert Kinyon will continue to serve as Parochial Vicar for Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City. He will also provide ministry for the Rapid City Catholic School System.

Fr. Mark McCormick is released from assignment as Chaplain for the Rapid City Catholic School System. He will retain responsibilities as Director of Vocations, and Chaplain for the Rapid City Newman Center.

Assigned to Educational Studies

Fr. Tyler Dennis is released from assignment as Pastor of the Parishes of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Martin, Our Lady of Victory in Kadoka, St. Patrick in Wall, and St. Margaret in Lakeside and assigned to Canon Law studies at Catholic University of America.

Ascension of the Lord

Holy Spirit Novena

Monthly Reflection by the Office of Faith Formation: May 2024

St. Isidore: Patron of Catholic Rural Life

Bishop’s Memorial Fund

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Sixth Sunday of Easter

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Fifth Sunday of Easter

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225 Main Street, Suite 100 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 343-3541

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Victim Assistance Coordinator

Barbara Scherr (605) 209-3418

Terra Sancta Retreat Center

2101 City Springs Rd, Ste 300 Rapid City , SD 57702 (605) 716-0925 [email protected]

New pastor assignments Summer 2024

• Diocese of Tucson
• Vocations to Priesthood & Religious Life
• North America

Bishop Edward Weisenburger has announced the transfer of two priests in the Diocese of Tucson.  

Father Mike Martinez, the pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains in Sierra Vista, will trade places with Father Francisco Maldonado who has served at Our Lady of the Valley in Green Valley and Most Holy Nativity in Rio Rico.  

The swap will take place in July.  

Of the move, Fr. Martinez said, “Serving God’s people and being part of their lives is a great gift. It is where faith, hope, and love are shared and experienced. Change is not always easy, and it can be hard to say goodbye to people one has grown to care about. I know that the new incoming pastor will be welcomed with open arms and will lovingly serve his people. I know that God’s people are everywhere and now I will prepare to serve the people of Our Lady of the Valley parish. I look forward to meeting them and serving them as we all strive for holiness and union with the Lord and each other.” 

In addition to the movement of Fr. Martinez and Fr. Maldonado, Bishop Weisenburger also announced Fr. John Gonzales, who has been serving as administrator of St. John Neumann, is now their pastor.