Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Diocese of Lincoln has announced a series of clergy appointments for the year 2024, affecting various positions within the church. Among the appointments, Rev. Steven Major has been appointed Dean of the Fairbury Deanery, while Rev. John Sullivan will serve as the Dean of the York Deanery, both retaining their other assignments.

Rev. Anthony Bedient has been appointed as the pastor of St. Mary Church in Dawson and St. Anne Church in Shubert, along with teaching at Sacred Heart High School in Falls City. He has been released from his appointment as an advocate on the Diocesan Tribunal. Similarly, Rev. Kenneth Borowiak is appointed as the pastor of St. Joseph Church in Friend.

In another appointment, Rev. Luke Fleck will serve as the pastor of St. Joseph Church in Colon and St. Mary Church in Cedar Bluff, while also teaching at Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo. Rev. Justin Fulton has been appointed as the pastor of St. Michael Church in Fairbury and St. Mary Church in Alexandria.

Additionally, Rev. T. Cole Kennett is appointed as the pastor of St. Michael Church in Lincoln, and Rev. Allan Phan will serve as the pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Osceola and St. Mary Church in Pilzno, retaining his appointment as an advocate on the Diocesan Tribunal.

Furthermore, special appointments include Rev. Thomas Au being appointed to Nursing Home and Hospital Ministry in the Lincoln Deaneries, while Rev. Kenneth Hoesing will focus on Hispanic Ministry in the Hastings Deanery.

Several clergy members have also been granted retirements or sabbaticals, such as Very Rev. John Birkel, V.F., Rev. David Bourek, Very Rev. M. James Divis, V.F., and Rev. Lee Jirovsky.

These appointments and changes aim to further strengthen the ministry and service provided by the clergy members in the Diocese of Lincoln.