Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre has announced a series of new appointments for clergy within the Archdiocese of Louisville, effective July 1 unless otherwise specified. The changes involve various roles across several churches and educational institutions in the region.

Reverend A. Biju Chathely, C.M.I., is appointed as pastor for St. Catherine Church in New Haven, Immaculate Conception Church in Culvertown, and St. Vincent de Paul Church in New Hope. Father Chathely was previously serving as administrator at these parishes and has a background that includes service in the United Kingdom and Kenya.

Reverend Sheejan George, C.M.I., PhD, will take on pastoral duties at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Campbellsville, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Phillipsburg, and Our Lady of the Hills Church in Finley. His previous work included missionary efforts and education roles within India.

Reverend Thomason A. Jose, C.M.I., is set to lead St. Martin of Tours Church in Flaherty after serving elsewhere internationally.

Reverend Jeffrey S. Nicolas will become pastor at St. Francis Xavier Church in Mount Washington while also serving as chaplain at Bethlehem High School in Bardstown.

The role of pastor at St. Bernadette Church in Prospect will be filled by Reverend Kirby B. Rust following his previous assignments at All Saints Church and St. Michael Church.

Reverend Joseph Thomas, C.M.I., will serve Christ the Healer Church in Edmonton and Christ the King Church in Tompkinsville after prior service within other regional parishes.

In administrative appointments, Reverend William P. Burks Jr., Reverend Brito Cardenas, Reverend Charles C. Mungai F.M.H., Reverend M. Quan Nguyen, and Reverend Daniel Whelan have been assigned to various churches with some starting their roles mid-June or transitioning from current responsibilities elsewhere.

Several associate pastor positions have also been filled: Reverend L. Wilfredo Fernandez takes up a post at Sts Aloysius and Edward Churches; newly ordained Cole McDowell joins St James; Reverends Hillary Chumo F.M.H., Robert Dale Cieslik (retiring), Peter Q Do (presbyteral moderator), Mark M Hamilton (health leave), Kenneth B Nauert Jr., Kien T Nguyen (returning to Vietnam), John J Stoltz (presbyteral moderator) are all assuming new roles or adjusting existing ones according to their assignments under Archbishop Fabre's direction.

These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts by the Archdiocese to align its resources with community needs while supporting clergy development across its network.