After due consultation and prayerful reflection, and to provide for the proper care of souls entrusted to him, Bishop Gregory Kelly is pleased to announce the following pastoral assignments and appointments for the Diocese of Tyler. All assignments are effective July 1, 2025, unless otherwise indicated.
PASTOR
Rev. Hector Arvizu appointed pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Fairfield and St. Mary Mission in Teague (from parish administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gilmer).
Rev. Francis O’Dowd appointed pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Holly Lake Ranch (from pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Gladewater). Father O’Dowd will also continue to have pastoral care of Our Lady Queen of Angels Mission in Overton.
Rev. Juan Carlos Sardinas appointed pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Pittsburg (frompastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Fairfield), effective May 20.
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
Rev. Ariel Cortes appointed parochial administrator of Holy Family Parish in Lindale (from priest in residence at Holy Spirit Parish in Holly Lake Ranch).
Rev. Andrew Smith appointed parochial administrator of St. Theresa Parish in Gladewater and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gilmer (from parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler).
Rev. Michael Snider appointed parochial administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Frankston (from priest in residence at St. Edward Parish in Athens), effective June 1.
Rev. Mario Torres appointed parochial administrator of St. Boniface Parish in Chandler (from parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler).
PAROCHIAL VICAR
Dcn. Christian Corona appointed parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler upon priestly ordination June 28.
Dcn. Christopher Orajiaka appointed parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler upon priestly ordination June 28.
OTHER
Rev. David Bailey released from service in the diocese in order to serve as Assistant Director for Native American Affairs in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church.
Rev. Steven Chabarria appointed Associate Vocations Director, while continuing as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler.
Rev. Roselio Fuentes assigned to temporary pastoral ministry outside the diocese.
Rev. Albert Motte released from service in the diocese in order to serve in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
