Bishop Earl Fernandes | Diocese of Columbus website

His Excellency, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, has announced several changes to the leadership of the Diocese of Columbus, effective July 9, 2024.

Fr. Michael Hartge will be appointed Vicar General and Moderator of Mission Advancement while continuing his role as Moderator of the Curia. Fr. William Hahn will assume the position of Vicar General and Director of Priestly Life and Vocations.

Msgr. Stephan Moloney, who began his service as Assistant Chancellor in 1985 and was appointed Vicar General in 1997, will become Vicar Forane for Northwest Columbus. He will continue his assignment as Pastor of St. Andrew Church in Upper Arlington.

Matthew Schlater, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO), will transition out of his role on July 9, 2024. Fr. Michael Hartge is set to oversee all offices within the Diocese of Columbus following this transition.

Bishop Fernandes expressed confidence in these appointments: “In Fr. Michael Hartge and Fr. William Hahn, I have two men whom I trust deeply to share my mind in respect to teaching, governing, and sanctifying the Diocese of Columbus.”

He also extended gratitude to Msgr. Moloney for his long-standing service: “I want to extend my profound gratitude to Monsignor Stephan Moloney who has served in the Chancery for almost four decades as Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, and Vicar General.”

Acknowledging Matthew Schlater’s contributions as COO, Bishop Fernandes stated: “Matt has been instrumental in planning for the Diocese’s future by implementing the structures necessary to carry out the work of Evangelization.”

The diocesan curia consists of institutions and persons assisting the bishop in governance matters including pastoral guidance, administrative care, and judicial power according to Canon Law.