Pastoral Assignments for 2019, Round 2

Pastoral Assignments for 2019, Round 2

It's been months since Fr. Tim Zak announced pastoral assignments for 2019-2020, specifically the appointment of directors.  On May 13 he published more "obediences."

Fr. Mark Hyde

It seems to your humble blogger that the most significant announcement is that Fr. Mark Hyde will step down after 11 years as director of Salesian Missions in New Rochelle.  Fr. Tim wrote simply, "God bless you for the wonderful work you have done!"  Amen to that.

Fr. Mark will be succeeded by Fr. Augustine Baek, the founder and long-time director of Reborn Young Christ in Stony Point, N.Y., a mission for young Korean-Americans.  Fr. Gus has had a nationwide ministry, in fact.

Fr. Gus Baek

The change at Salesian Missions is to be effective on Sept. 1.  There was no announcement of a new assignment for Fr. Mark or of a replacement for Fr. Gus in Stony Point.  Update: on June 7 Fr. Tim Zak (and Abp. Aymond of New Orleans) announced that Fr. Mark will become pastor of St. Rosalie and St. John Bosco parishes in Harvey, La.  Fr. Mark was quite pleased.

Another significant appointment was the confirmation of Fr. John Nazzaro as director of the formation community in Orange.  He's already been serving ad interim in that capacity during Fr. Mike Pace's extended absence (caused by visa issues with U.S. immigration authorities--Fr. Mike being Canadian).

Other news in Fr. Tim's letter included the 1st priestly assignments for our 2 men who will be ordained on June 8, Frs. Juan Pablo Rubio (St. John Bosco Parish, Chicago) and Eduardo Chincha (Cristo Rey Tampa); some changes in practical training assignments for 2 young confreres; the start of theological studies for 2 others; 2 men heading for the novitiate in August, and 2 starting the prenovitiate program.

Fr. John Nazzaro during his earlier incarnation as executive director 

of Salesian Boys & Girls Club of East Boston.  (Photo supplied by the Club)

There were some other assignments, and word of 2 priests on loan from their own provinces to ours who will now be returning home.

All in all, an interesting list, with nothing earth-shattering in it unless you think the change at Salesian Missions fits that bill.