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, 2026, unless otherwise indicated.
Pastor
Rev. John Henao assigned as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Palestine (from Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kilgore).
Rev. Juan Carlos Rivera assigned as Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kilgore (from Pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Trinity).
Rev. Juan Carlos Sardinas assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Daingerfield (from Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Pittsburg).
Parish Administrators
Rev. George Blasick, CSsR assigned as Parish Administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Pittsburg (from Parish Administrator of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Atlanta).
Rev. Jorge Dinguis assigned as full-time Parish Administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in New Summerfield (from Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rusk and Ven. Antonio Margil Mission in Alto).
Rev. Wilson Imade assigned as Parish Administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rusk and Ven. Antonio Margil Mission in Alto (from Parochial Vicar of St. Peter Claver Parish in Tyler).
Rev. Jose Kumblumkal, CMI assigned as Parish Administrator of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Trinity (from sacramental ministry at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hallsville).
Rev. Mark Kusmirek assigned as Parish Administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Frankston while continuing in Prison Ministry.
Rev. Brent Shelton assigned as Parish Administrator of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Atlanta (from Parish Administrator of St. Francis of the Tejas Parish in Crockett).
Rev. Eugene Tillekeratne assigned as Parish Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson (from Parish Administrator of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Daingerfield).
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Cristian Zelaya assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Marshall (from Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Parish in Longview).
Other
Rev. Steven Chabarria assigned as Ministry Chaplain of St. John Paul II Campus Ministry in Tyler while continuing as Associate Vocations Director (from Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Tyler), effective June 1, 2026.
Rev. Jonathon Frels granted a personal leave of absence (from Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Palestine).
Rev. Juan Pedro Gonzalez resuming assignment as Parish Administrator of Our Lady of Grace Mission in Hallsville, having completed studies in Canon Law in Mexico.
Rev. Roselio Fuentes resuming assignment as Pastor of St. Francis of the Tejas Parish in Crockett, having completed temporary assignment in Mexico.
Rev. Isaac Oviedo assigned to full-time studies in Rome (from Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Marshall).
Rev. Michael Snider granted full-time retirement status (from Parish Administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Frankston).
