Archdiocese of Cincinnati announces new priest assignments and retirements for 2026
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati announced on Apr. 28 a series of new clergy appointments, effective at various dates throughout 2026. The changes include pastoral assignments, parochial vicar roles, chaplaincies, academic studies, and retirements across multiple parishes within the archdiocese.
These appointments affect many parishes and reflect ongoing efforts to support pastoral care and ministry throughout the region. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati serves approximately 471,000 Catholics in its territory, with outreach spanning community service and evangelization efforts according to the official website.
Effective Feb. 1, Reverend Louis Okot Ochermoi Tony was appointed Pastor of S-12 Family of Parishes in Cincinnati. Reverend Ignatius Dang Hoang was named Parochial Vicar for NE-5 Family of Parishes covering Kettering and Dayton areas. Pending visa approval on Feb. 6, Reverend Jario Jose Pravia Flores will serve as Parochial Vicar for S-6 Family of Parishes including Groesbeck.
Several transitional deacons are scheduled to be ordained on May 16 with their parish assignments beginning July 1. These include Rev. Mr. Nicholas C. Emmerling (SE-4), Rev. Mr. Curtis J. Gross (NE-3), Rev. Mr. Kraig E. Gruss (C-4), Rev. Mr. David B. Homoelle (S-1), among others assigned across different family groupings within the archdiocese.
Additional appointments effective June or July involve roles such as part-time studies in Canon Law for Reverend Alex Dugas at the Catholic University of America; several priests assuming parochial vicar duties; chaplaincy at Miami University Newman Center; formation team leadership at Mount St Mary’s Seminary; and retirement from active ministry for Reverend Steven L Shoup.
The Archdiocese operates across nineteen counties in southwestern Ohio according to the official website, maintaining a network that includes over two hundred parishes and more than one hundred schools according to the official website. Its cathedral is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains according to the official website, while it also preserves archives dating back to its founding in 1821 according to the official website. The archdiocese continues supporting ministries and social services as part of its mission according to the official website.
