Bishop Earl Fernandes | Diocese of Columbus website

The latest round of clergy assignments for 2024 has been announced by the diocese, with changes set to take place in June and July. Among the notable changes are the reassignments of several pastors and parochial vicars within the region.

Reverend Emmanuel Adu Addai is set to move from his current roles to become the Pastor of the Perry County Consortium, encompassing St. Rose of Lima Church in New Lexington and St. Patrick Church in Junction City, effective July 9, 2024. Reverend Todd Lehigh will transition from his pastoral duties to serve as an Assistant Chaplain at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbus and as a Hospital Chaplain starting on the same date.

On the other hand, Reverend Theodore Machnik will be retiring from his position as Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Circleville, with plans to continue serving at Sacred Heart in Coshocton and St. Peter in Millersburg from July 1, 2024. Reverend Daniel W. Olvera is slated to take over as the new Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Lancaster, including St. Joseph Church in Sugar Grove, starting July 9, 2024.

As part of the reshuffle, Reverend Tyron J. Tomson will be pursuing graduate studies in Scripture in Rome, Italy, after serving as Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish. Additionally, Reverend Ramon Macoy Cruz Owera will assume the role of Pastor at St. Joseph Church in Circleville from July 1, 2024, while continuing as Administrator of St. Dominic Church and the Community of Holy Rosary/St. John the Evangelist in Columbus until July 8, 2024.

The changes also include appointments of Parochial Vicars, such as Reverend James B. Farnan, who will be transitioning to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Westerville effective July 9, 2024. Reverend Jins Kuppakara Devasia and Reverend Anish Thomas, both serving as Parochial Vicars, will see changes in their assignments, with Devasia moving to Church of the Ascension in Johnstown and Thomas to Church of the Resurrection in New Albany.

The diocese has confirmed these assignments, emphasizing the effective dates in June and July for the clergy members involved in the reshuffling. The changes are aimed at ensuring the spiritual needs of the Catholic community are met effectively and efficiently in the designated parishes and institutions.