As is his custom, Bishop David has met with the Clergy Personnel Board throughout the year to determine whether any changes needed to be made. There are just a few changes in assignments. Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, where Fr. Jacek Kowal is currently Vice Rector, is closing which brings Fr. Jacek back home to Memphis. Also, Bishop David has accepted Fr. Fisher’s request to retire, leaving St. Mary Savannah and Our Lady of the Lake without a Pastor. With these things in mind, Bishop David announces the following clergy appointments:
Effective July 1, 2022 (unless otherwise indicated):
Reverend Tojan Abraham M.C.B.S., currently Parochial Vicar of Church of the Holy Spirit in Memphis is appointed Parochial Administrator at St. Mary Church in Savannah and Our Lady of the Lake in Counce.
Reverend Scott Bahrke, on being ordained this June, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Church of the Incarnation in Collierville.
Reverend Gabe Bouck, on being ordained this June, is appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Church in Memphis.
Reverend Robbie Favazza, currently Pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Somerville is appointed Pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Memphis.
Reverend Edward Fisher, currently Pastor of St. Mary Church in Savannah and Our Lady of the Lake in Counce is given permission to retire from active ministry.
Reverend Jacek Kowal, currently Vice Rector of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Michigan, is being called back to Memphis with the closing of the seminary. He will be in residence at the House of Discernment at 4715 Normandy Rd in Memphis for one year and will register with Louisiana State University’s online MBA program. Additionally, he will be assigned temporarily to Sacramental ministry at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception before being available to assist with weekday and weekend Masses around the diocese starting in August.
Reverend Jim Martell, currently Pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Memphis is appointed Pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Somerville.
Reverend Rito de Santiago-Carreòn, currently Parochial Vicar of the St. Paul Church in Memphis is appointed Parochial Vicar of Church of the Ascension in Memphis.
Very Reverend Stephen J. Kenny and Very Reverend David Graham will complete their terms as Vicar Forane (Dean) on July 28, 2022.
Clergy Personnel Board (through June 20, 2024):
Very Reverend Keith Stewart, VG
Very Reverend James Clark, JV; Chancellor
Very Reverend Robert Szczechura, DOV
Father Dennis Schenkel, Assistant DOV
Monsignor Victor Ciaramitaro, Senior Priest
Father Gerald Azike, Pastor – St. James
Father Carl Hood, Pastor – St. Francis of Assisi
Father James Martell, Pastor – Church of the Resurrection
Father Jolly Sebastian, Pastor – Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Father Jose Cruz Zapata-Torres, Pastor – Church of the Nativity
