Father Joseph Augustine, J.C.L., is appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Bluefield and Sacred Heart Parish in Princeton with residence at the parish rectory in Bluefield, effective June 18, 2025.
Very Rev. Sebastian Devasya, V.E., is appointed pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Parkersburg with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025. He is also appointed as designated pastor of Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School in Parkersburg for a term of three years, effective June 18, 2025. This is in addition to his current position as Vicar for Clergy.
In consultation with Very Rev. Johnson Varakaparambil Joseph, C.S.T., provincial superior of the St. Thomas Province of the Little Flower Congregation in Kerala, India, Father Binu Emmanuel, C.S.T., is appointed pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Morgantown with chaplaincy responsibilities at the Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
In consultation with Very Rev. Mathew Thekkemuriyil, M.C.B.S., provincial superior of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Kerala, India, Father Tijo George, M.C.B.S., is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Wheeling with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
In consultation with Very Rev. Mathew Thekkemuriyil, M.C.B.S., provincial superior of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Kerala, India, Father Deepu Joseph, M.C.B.S., is appointed administrator of St. Ann Parish in Shinnston with continued residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
In consultation with Very Rev. Johnson Varakaparambil Joseph, C.S.T., provincial superior of the St. Thomas Province of the Little Flower Congregation in Kerala, India, Father Shinu Lukose, C.S.T., is appointed administrator of St. Michael Parish in Vienna with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
Father Gerald Muoka is appointed as designated pastor of Madonna High School in Weirton for a term of three years, effective June 18, 2025. This is in addition to his current assignments as administrator of St. Anthony Parish in Follansbee and chaplain of Hilltop Campus Ministry (West Liberty University and Bethany College).
In consultation with Very Rev. Adam Oleszczuk, S.V.D., provincial superior of the Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province, Father Dominic Huynh Pham, S.V.D., is appointed administrator of St. Thomas Parish in Gassaway and Risen Lord Mission in Maysel with residence at the parish rectory, effective May 22, 2025.
Father Alex Paul is appointed parochial vicar of St. James the Greater Parish in Charles Town and St. Peter Chapel in Harpers Ferry with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
With the responsibilities of St. Ann Parish in Shinnston being given to Father Deepu Joseph, M.C.B.S, in his recent appointment as administrator of St. Ann Parish, Father B.K. Akila Rodrigo, T.O.R., will no longer be pastorally responsible for this parish. Father Rodrigo will remain as pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish in Clarksburg and Sacred Heart Mission in Salem. This change is effective as of June 18, 2025.
In consultation with Very Rev. Dr. Thomas Kalariparambil, provincial superior of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, South-West India Province, Father Abraham Schariah, M.S.F.S., is appointed as administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Mannington and St. Peter Parish in Farmington with residence at the parish rectory in Mannington, effective June 18, 2025.
Father Martin Smay is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Huntington and St. Stephen Parish in Ona with residence at the parish rectory in Huntington, effective June 18, 2025.
Father John Soplinski is appointed Vocations director for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, for a period of three years, effective June 18, 2025. This position is in addition to his assignments as vice rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling and parochial vicar of St. Alphonsus Parish in Wheeling.
Father Joyson Puthussery Varghese is appointed administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Thomas and Our Lady of Mercy Mission in Parsons with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
In consultation with Very Rev. Roshan Wasantha Perera, T.O.R., minister provincial of the Franciscan Friars Third Order Regular (Province of Our Lady of Lanka, Sri Lanka), Father Rusiri Wijewickrama, T.O.R., is appointed parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Martinsburg with residence at the parish rectory, effective June 18, 2025.
Correction: An announcement on Feb. 13, 2025, incorrectly stated that Father Andrew Switzer has been elected to a three-year term on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, effective December 31, 2024. The correct announcement is that Father Switzer has been elected to a one-year term to fill a vacant position on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, effective December 31, 2024, and ending December 31, 2025. This is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Shepherdstown.