Bishop Gregory Kelly is pleased to announce the appointment of Very Rev. Hank Lanik as Vicar General for the Diocese of Tyler, effective immediately. Previously held by Bishop John Gomez before his appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, this role is vital to the governance and ministry of the Diocese of Tyler.
Father Lanik was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tyler on May 28, 2011, after attending St. Mary’s Seminary and earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. Since his ordination, he has served in various pastoral and leadership roles in the diocese including Chaplain for the St. John Paul II Campus Ministry in Tyler, diocesan chancellor, and pastor of several perishes.
Father Lanik was appointed Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler in 2014. After serving as Pastor of St. Patrick’s and St. Andrew’s in Lufkin, he returned to the Cathedral as Rector in 2018. He has also served as administrator at St. Jude in Gun Barrel City, St. Theresa’s in Gladewater, and as Pastor of St. Anthony’s in Longview.
In addition to his parish assignments, Father Lanik is a member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council, the College of Consultors, the Diocese of Tyler Priest Retirement Plan Board of Directors and serves as a board member for the Tyler Catholic Schools Foundation.
Father Lanik will continue as Vicar for Priests for the diocese and as Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler.
“I am grateful for Father Lanik’s generous priestly service and his willingness to assume this important responsibility,” Bishop Kelly said. “I know that you join me in offering him your support and prayers as he begins this ministry. Together, may we faithfully love and serve the People of God entrusted to our care.”
