Bishop Earl Fernandes | Diocese of Columbus website

The Diocese of Columbus has announced new clergy assignments, with effective dates specified.

Reverend Sesu Maria Crescensis Panguraj, SAC, has been appointed from Chaplain at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus to Parochial Vicar at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Westerville, residing at Holy Spirit Church in Columbus, effective July 9, 2024.

Reverend Andrew Lesko will transition from service outside the diocese to formator and Director of the Propaedeutic Stage Formation Program at the Pontifical College Josephinum, effective August 16, 2024.

Reverend Jude E. Fongouck is assigned to Hospital Ministry in Columbus and will serve both the Cameroonian Catholic Community and the Francophone Catholic Community starting August 10, 2024.

Reverend Gotfried Mulisa, AJ, confirmed by the Provincial of the Apostles of Jesus, will move from service outside the diocese to Parochial Vicar at St. Pius X Church in Reynoldsburg on September 1, 2024.

Also confirmed by the Provincial of the Apostles of Jesus is Reverend Process Milton Kiocha, AJ. He will shift from Parochial Vicar at St. Pius X Church in Reynoldsburg to Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Grove City and part-time chaplain at Bishop Ready High School starting September 1, 2024.

Reverend Pius Ajuluchukwu transitions from service outside the Diocese to Parochial Vicar at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish beginning August 24, 2024.

Reverend Hilary Ike's incardination was effective March 21, 2024; he continues his roles as Parochial Vicar for both St. Elizabeth Parish and St. Matthias Parish in Columbus while also serving at Tribunal and military chaplaincy immediately.

Confirmed by his Religious Order's Provincial is Reverend Cyprian Obioha, CFIC. He moves from Parochial Vicar positions at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Pickerington and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Columbus to service outside the diocese as of July 31, 2024.

Reverend P. Botachew joins as Parochial Vicar for both St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Pickerington and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Columbus while also becoming Diocesan Director of Multicultural Ministry starting September 15, 2024.

Effective September 1, 2024: Reverend Anthony Raj Bellamkonda Irudayam transitions from external service to become Parochial Vicar for Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia and Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison.

Confirmed by Prior General of St. Mary's sui iuris Monastery within Vallombrosian Congregation of Order of St. Benedict are two appointments:

- Reverend Joseph P. Thomas OSB becomes Parochial Vicar for St. Joseph Cathedral-Holy Cross in Columbus effective September 7.

- Reverend Joby P Kurian OSB assumes role as Hospital Chaplain based out of Holy Cross Church Rectory also starting September7.