After due consultation and prayerful reflection, and in order to provide for the proper care of souls entrusted to him, Bishop Joseph E. Strickland is pleased to announce the following pastoral assignments and appointments for the Diocese of Tyler, which are effective this spring and summer.
Pastors
Very Rev. Daniel Dower, STL, assigned as Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Longview (from Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kilgore). Effective June 1, 2017.
Very Rev. John Gomez, JCL, assigned as Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kilgore (from Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Pittsburg). Father Gomez will remain Vicar General. Effective June 1, 2017.
Rev. Mark Kusmirek assigned as Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Madisonville (from Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Longview). Effective June 1, 2017.
Rev. Juan Carlos Rivera assigned as Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Pittsburg (from Priest-in-Charge of Sacred Heart of Jesus Mission in Rusk and Ven. Antonio Margil Mission in Alto). Effective June 1, 2017.
Rev. Morgan White assigned as Pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Malakoff (from full-time academic studies at The Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill.). Effective June 1, 2017.
Administrators
Rev. Nelson Muñoz assigned as Parochial Administrator of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Center and Priest-in-Charge of St. Mary of the Epiphany Mission in Timpson (from Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler). Effective June 1, 2017.
Priests-in-Charge
Rev. George Elliott, STL, assigned as Priest-in-Charge of Sacred Heart of Jesus Mission in Rusk and Ven. Antonio Margil Mission in Alto (from Parochial Vicar of St. Michael Parish in Mount Pleasant). Effective June 1, 2017.
Parochial Vicars
Rev. Joshua Neu, STL, assigned as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler (from full-time academic studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome). Effective August 1, 2017.
Rev. Jose Luis Vidarte assigned as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler (from Pastor of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Center and Priest-in-Charge of St. Mary of the Epiphany Mission in Timpson). Effective June 1, 2017.
Rev. Kevin Young assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony Parish in Longview (from Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler). Effective August 1, 2017.
Rev. Cristian Zelaya assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Michael Parish in Mount Pleasant (from Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Parish in Longview). Effective June 1, 2017.
Other Assignments and Appointments
Very Rev. Daniel Dower, STL, appointed Dean of the East Central Deanery (from Episcopal Vicar of Education). Effective June 1, 2017
Very Rev. Anthony McLaughlin, JCD, assigned as President of Bishop Gorman Catholic School (from Pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven in Malakoff). Father McLaughlin will remain Vicar General. Effective June 1, 2017.
Retirements
Rev. Michael Barone granted retirement from active ministry and appointed to Senior Priest Status (from Pastor of St. Elizbeth Ann Seton, Madisonville). Effective June 1, 2017.
Additional assignments and appointments may be announced later this summer if pastoral needs develop.
