Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

The Diocese has announced a series of new appointments and reappointments effective July 1, 2025, unless noted otherwise. These changes involve various priests taking on new roles or continuing in their current positions.

The Very Reverend Daniel J. Bergbower is reappointed for another five-year term as Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Springfield Deanery while maintaining his role as Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish in Springfield, Illinois. Similarly, the Very Reverend Jeffrey H. Goeckner continues as Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Alton Deanery and retains his responsibilities at Saint Boniface Parish in Edwardsville, Illinois, along with his duties at Father McGivney Catholic High School.

Reverend Martin Smith steps into a new role as Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Jerseyville Deanery while continuing his pastoral work across several parishes including Saint Francis Xavier Parish and Holy Ghost Parish in Jerseyville, Illinois.

Several pastors have been appointed to new positions. Reverend Mark W. Tracy moves to Christ the King Parish in Springfield from Holy Family Parish in Decatur and will also serve as Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Schools within the Springfield Deanery.

Reverend Bruce E. Scott transitions from Parochial Vicar at Saint Francis Solanus Parish to Pastor at Holy Family Parish in Decatur. Newly ordained priests such as Reverend Charles W. Delano and Reverend Ryan J. Kehoe are assigned roles as Parochial Vicars at Holy Family Parish and Blessed Sacrament Parish respectively.

There are also international appointments like that of Reverend Zachraiah Patibandla from the Diocese of Guntur, India who takes on the role of Parochial Administrator at Saint Jude Parish in Rochester during a temporary leave from other assignments.

Reverend Christopher A. House assumes leadership roles at Saint Meinrad Seminary while retaining some duties within the Diocesan Tribunal among others.

Mister James A. Bock Jr., is appointed Director of Canonical and Pastoral Services with additional responsibilities commencing September 1, 2025.

These appointments reflect ongoing efforts to align clergy resources effectively across parishes and institutions under diocesan administration.