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Catholics will see new priests in the pulpit this weekend in Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Thousands of Catholics will see a new priest in the pulpit this weekend as a major reorganization of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati moves forward.

Almost all of the archdiocese's 150 priests will be affected in some way by the reorganization, known as Beacons of Light , and at least half of them will begin new roles at new parishes on July 1. To see the full list, scroll to the bottom of the story.

The shuffling of jobs is the latest step in a process that is remaking the archdiocese's parishes and schools in response to changing demographics, shrinking church attendance and a continuing priest shortage.

Under Beacons of Light, the archdiocese's 208 parishes now are part of 5760 "families of parishes" that will share priests, schools and resources. In the next few years, the new parish families will rework Mass schedules, create new parish councils and decide whether to close churches and schools.

The reorganization is one of the largest in the region's history and will in some way impact every Catholic priest, parishioner and student in the archdiocese, which stretches across 19 counties in western and southern Ohio.

Before this weekend, most of the coming changes have been visible only on spreadsheets and color-coded maps circulated by the archdiocese. Now, with the new parish families model officially in place, Catholics will see those changes in the pulpit as their new priests begin work .

"I think it's fair to say you have a chance to see a new face this weekend," said Jennifer Schack, the archdiocese's spokeswoman.

The changes are unlikely to shock many Catholics. Priests learned of their new assignments several months ago and most parishioners found out soon after. Schack said Catholics have been saying goodbye to departing priests and welcoming new ones for weeks, even if they don't begin their new roles until July 1.

Still, the movement of so many priests in such a short time is unusual. And some now are in roles that didn't exist until Beacons of Light created them.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr acknowledged so much change in such a short period of time might be difficult for some Catholics, especially as the new parish families consider how to consolidate or close churches and schools.

"There will undoubtedly be hard decisions involving sacrifice and loss," Schnurr wrote in a June 5 letter to Catholics. "As we move forward into an unsure and sometimes confusing future, let us stay united as the Body of Christ."

Schnurr said he believes the coming changes will "bear great fruit in the future."

Catholics generally have greeted the Beacons of Light effort with a mix of apprehension and optimism. Parishes are the center of religious life for Catholics, binding families together, sometimes across generations, through worship, festivals, fish fries, bingo nights, schools and sports.

The planning process for Beacons of Light began more than two years ago with a report outlining the many challenges facing the archdiocese. The report estimated the total number of priests will fall to 125 over the next decade and it determined that many parishes and schools no longer were located where large numbers of Catholics live.

The priests who begin work this weekend in their new roles will help decide how to address those challenges in the years to come.

Beacons of Light Priest Assignments by CincinnatiEnquirer on Scribd

About Beacons Of Light

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Pastoral Planning Pathway

Principles, Vision, and Parameters

Annual planning process.

Journeying Together

Synodality and beacons of light.

Center For Parish Vitality

I am convinced that Beacons of Light, born of great hope, will enable us to form stronger parishes, centered on the Eucharist, that radiate the love of Christ and joy of the Gospel… God has abundantly blessed our first two centuries and will certainly bless the next. — ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Archdiocese of Cincinnati announces priest assignments as part of Beacons of Light

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Parishioners can now find out who their priest will be as part of the Beacons of Light reorganization.

The Archdiocese released the information on Monday.

As part of Beacons of Light , 208 parishes are coming together as 57 Parish Families. The groupings range from one to as many as eight different churches.

The assignment plan also includes pastors and parochial vicars.

Priests provided input about where they'd like to be and how their skills would fit for each Family. The Archdiocese also took into consideration staffing and pastoral leadership needs for each Family of Parishes, and the determination of best fit between priest candidates and various Families.

Recommended assignments were submitted to Archbishop Dennis Schnurr for final approval.

For six months, there will be training, workshops and other resources for priests, deacons and parish staff, according to the Archdiocese.

Priest assignments will take effect on July 1.

Click HERE for the assignments

Cincinnati Archdiocese releases final Beacons of Light ‘families’ map

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s “Families of Parishes” map has undergone significant revisions after 7,800 people offered their input as part of the Beacons of Light initiative designed to address the trends of fewer priests and lower attendance figures.

The final “Families of Parishes” map had seen “a considerable number of changes, but collectively they’re changes that resulted in a stronger configuration,” said archdiocese spokesperson Jennifer Schack.

The archdiocese’s “Families of Parishes” plan was initially released on Oct. 1 as part of the church’s Beacons of Light initiative calling to restructure the Catholic church in Southwest Ohio. Over the years, the church has seen a decline in membership and in overall priests.

The “Families of Parishes” plan is the grouping of the archdiocese’s 208 parishes into six deaneries ― there are currently 12 deaneries― and clustering parishes within each deanery into “families.” On Sunday the archdiocese released online the new “Families of Parishes” map, which ranges from a single parish to as many as six or seven. This final plan is set to be implemented in July 2022.

A draft map showed 60 parish “families,” but there is a reduction to 57 “families” in the final map across six geographic deaneries.

View the different "Families of Parishes" below:

Families of Parishes Final 12.5.21 by WCPO 9 News on Scribd

Schack said there were several local considerations across the archdiocese that played a “pretty significant role” in shaping the final map. She said from 20% to 25% of the 7,800 comments pertained to the draft “Families of Parishes” plan and improvements for the map.

She said changes were made “as a consensus” between the laity and priests, and at times changes were made as a result of school relationships with multiple parishes.

Changes were also made with consideration of the size of the proposed families ― both in the number of parishes in a family as well as the geographic size ― as well as historic or existing parish relationships that weren’t known until parishioners and pastors spoke out. Other changes included consideration of religious orders that oversee parishes.

Schack said there were back-and-forth conversations with those religious orders, and the process “has strengthened those relationships” with the archdiocese.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr recorded a message that played in all diocesean parishes, and parishioners attending mass over the weekend received a letter from the archbishop.

The archdiocese released the text of Schnurr’s message to the Journal-News ahead of its broadcast in parishes. In the recording, Schnurr said he is “convinced that Beacons of Light, born in great hope, will enable us to form stronger parishes, centered on the Eucharist, that radiate the love of Christ and the joy of the Gospel.

“We know that God is continually working through His people and that the work of the Church is never complete,” the message continued. “Sometimes that work is difficult; nonetheless, we must move forward confident in God’s providence. The work of Beacons of Light will have a powerful and positive impact on the future of this archdiocese.”

Schnurr was set to promulgate Beacons of Light at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati, ahead of the online release of the new map.

The next public milestone in the Beacons of Light initiate is the priest assignments, Schack said. Announcements of those assignments are set for this spring, but they could come as early as late February.

Schack said the number of priests is subject to change as the final numbers have not been determined yet.

Behind the scenes will be continued work by the Beacons of Light team to prepare for the implementation of the “Families of Parishes” next summer, and will be ongoing during the first six months of 2022.

“No changes for Christmas Masses this year, no pastor, no priest changes this winter, pending any emergencies, but the implementation that will impact parishes is not until July 1,” Schack said.

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Beacons of Light Statements & Resources

REGISTER FOR BEACONS UPDATE

Public statements.

07.01.2021 – Introduction to Beacons of Light

09.17.2021 – Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

10.01.2021 – Drafted Family of Parishes Announcement

12.01.2021 – Final Family of Parishes Announcement

12.05.2021 – Recorded Announcement from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

12.05.2021 – Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

02.14.2022 – Priest Assignments Announcement

Beacons of Light Website

Beacons pastoral planning website, more to explore, liturgical belonging for persons with disabilities: barriers and welcome.

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Priest assignments june 2024 in the archdiocese.

Effective February 12, 2024

Reverend Ethan Moore appointed Parochial Vicar of C-1 Family of Parishes which includes St. John the Evangelist, New Paris, St. Mary, Camden, St. Mary, Oxford and Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Eaton.

Effective July 1, 2024

Reverend Kenneth Alt, CPPS appointed Parochial Vicar of NW-8 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cassella, Precious Blood, Chickasaw, St. Augustine, Minster, St. John the Baptist, Maria Stein, St. Joseph, Egypt, St. Rose, St. Rose and St. Sebastian, St. Sebastian effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.

Reverend Brice J. Berger appointed Parochial Vicar of C-3 Family of Parishes which includes St. Francis de Sales, Lebanon and St. Philip the Apostle, Morrow.

Reverend Adam C. Berning appointed Parochial Vicar of NW-2 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Rosary, St. Marys, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Montezuma, Immaculate Conception, Celina, St. Patrick, Glynwood and St. Teresa, Rockford.

Reverend Alex Biryomumeisho appointed Parochial Vicar of NW-7 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Angels, Sidney, Sacred Heart of Jesus, McCartyville, St. Michael, Fort Loramie and Sts. Peter & Paul, Newport.

Reverend James Gaynor, CPPS appointed Parochial Vicar of NE-6 Family of Parishes which includes Emmanuel, Dayton, Holy Trinity, Dayton, Precious Blood, Dayton, St. Joseph Dayton, St. Paul, Englewood and St. Rita, Dayton effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.

Reverend John P. Grusenmeyer appointed Parochial Vicar of NW-3 Family of Parishes which includes St. Aloysius, Carthagena, St. Bernard, Burkettsville, St. Francis, Cranberry Prairie, St. Henry, St. Henry and St. Wendelin, St. Wendelin.

Reverend Aaron Hess appointed Parochial Vicar of S-3 Family of Parishes which includes Guardian Angels, Mt. Washington, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Anderson Township, St. Jerome Mission Church, Cincinnati and St. John Fisher, Newtown.

Reverend Edward J. Hoffmann will be released from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for extended Active Duty as a chaplain in the United States military.

Reverend Mark Hoying, CPPS appointed Parochial Vicar of NW-8 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cassella, Precious Blood, Chickasaw, St. Augustine, Minster, St. John the Baptist, Maria Stein, St. Joseph, Egypt, St. Rose, St. Rose and St. Sebastian, St. Sebastian effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.

Reverend Louis Jacquemin appointed Parochial Vicar of SW-7 Family of Parishes which includes Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Antoninus, St. Catharine of Siena and St. Martin of Tours, Cincinnati.

Reverend Michael Kapolka will be released from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for extended Active Duty as a chaplain in the United States military.

Reverend Jarred Kohn appointed Parochial Vicar of NE-1 Family of Parishes which includes Immaculate, Conception, North Lewisburg, Sacred Heart, St. Paris, St. Mary, Urbana, St. Mary of the Woods, Russells Point, St. Michael, Mechanicsburg and St. Patrick, Bellefontaine.

Reverend Christopher Komoroski appointed Pastor of NE-2 Family of Parishes which includes St. Bernard, Springfield, St. Charles Borromeo, South Charleston, St. Joseph, Springfield, St. Raphael, Springfield and St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Springfield.

Reverend Benson Lokidiriyo appointed Parochial Vicar of SW-7 Family of Parishes which includes Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Antoninus, St. Catharine of Siena and St. Martin of Tours, Cincinnati.

Reverend Benjamin S. Mersch appointed Parochial Vicar of C-2 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Family, Middletown, Holy Name of Jesus, Trenton, and Our Lady of Sorrows, Monroe.

Reverend Matthew E. Montag appointed Parochial Vicar of C-7 Family of Parishes which includes St. Maximilian Kolbe, Liberty Township.

Reverend Ethan Moore appointed Parochial Vicar of NW-1 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Trinity, Coldwater, Mary Help of Christians, Ft. Recovery, St. Anthony, St. Anthony, St. Joseph, St. Joseph, St. Mary, Philothea, St. Paul, Sharpsburg and St. Peter, St. Peter.

Reverend Robert K. Muhlenkamp appointed Pastor of NW-2 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Rosary, St. Marys, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Montezuma, Immaculate Conception, Celina, St. Patrick, Glynwood, and St. Teresa, Rockford.

Reverend Thomas Nevels appointed Pastor of NE-5 Family of Parishes which includes St. Charles Borromeo, St. Albert the Great and Ascension, Kettering.

Reverend Edward Pratt appointed Parochial Vicar of SE-7 Family of Parishes which includes St. Andrew, Milford, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Milford and St. Veronica, Mt. Carmel.

Reverend James Riehle reappointed to another 6-year term as Pastor of C-7 Family of Parishes which includes St. Maximilian Kolbe, Liberty Township.

Reverend Anthony J. Sanitato appointed Parochial Vicar of NE-5 Family of Parishes which includes Ascension, St. Albert the Great, and St. Charles Borromeo, Kettering.

Reverend Jeremy S. Stubbs appointed Parochial Vicar of S-8 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Cross-Immaculata, Our Lord Christ the King, St. Rose and St. Stephen, Cincinnati.

Reverend John Tonkin appointed Pastor of NW-7 Family of Parishes which includes Holy Angels, Sidney, Sacred Heart of Jesus, McCartyville, St. Michael, Fort Loramie and Sts. Peter and Paul, Newport.

Reverend Nam Quoc Vu, SVD , appointed Parochial Vicar of C-6 Family of Parishes which includes Queen of Peace, Hamilton, St. Aloysius, Shandon, St. Joseph, Hamilton, St. Julie Billiart, Hamilton, and St. Peter in Chains, Hamilton.

Reverend Michael Willig appointed Parochial Vicar of Holy Face of Jesus Parish, Wapakoneta.

Reverend Sean Wilson appointed Pastor of Holy Face of Jesus Parish, Wapakoneta.

Retirement from active ministry

Reverend Anthony Dattilo, Parochial Vicar of SW-7, effective July 1, 2024

Reverend Robert Farrell, Parochial Vicar of C-3, effective July 1, 2024

Reverend John MacQuarrie, Pastor of NE-2, effective July 1, 2024

Effective August 1, 2024

Reverend Alan Hirt, OFM, appointed Pastor of S-14 Family of Parishes which includes St. Clement, St. Bernard and St. Francis Seraph, Cincinnati.

Reverend William (Jud) Weiksnar, OFM , appointed Parochial Vicar of S-14 Family of Parishes which includes St. Clement, St. Bernard and St. Francis Seraph, Cincinnati.

Effective Fall of 2024

Reverend Jacob B. Lindle assigned to graduate studies in Rome.

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The Catholic Telegraph

Founded in 1831, The Catholic Telegraph is the official news source of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Priest Assignments