Several changes announced at local Catholic churches
The Diocese of Greensburg has announced several changes in assignments for area priests, including a change in pastor at Connellsville area churches.
The Rev. Robert Lubic, who served those churches, was granted a six-month leave of absence for personal reasons, and resigned as pastor of Immaculate Conception, St. John the Evangelist and St. Rita, all in Connellsville; St. Aloysius in Dunbar, and as chaplain and instructor of religion at Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School.
Parishioners were notified at last weekend鈥檚 masses that Lubic resigned during his leave to ensure that the sacramental and pastoral needs of the parishes are met.
鈥淭he Diocese of Greensburg is acutely aware of his popularity and inspiring ministry in Connellsville,鈥� read the announcement provided by Bishop Edward C. Malesic. 鈥淗e actively engages parishioners and mobilizes them, as Christ鈥檚 disciples, to become change agents in their communities. The bishop is praying that the time Fr. Bob spends on leave will be fruitful.鈥�
As of Nov. 6, the Rev. Paul A. Lisik will take over as pastor at the churches, moving from his former parishes in Jeannette.
The announcement noted that Lisik is no stranger to the area, having served his deacon year at Immaculate Conception in 1980 and his first pastorate at St. John the Evangelist in the mid 1990s.
鈥淲e recognize that this is a tremendously difficult time for our parish community,鈥� the announcement said. 鈥淪ometimes not being able to say goodbye leaves us feeling so unsettled. Just know that this is what is best for Fr. Bob at this time. Many of you may want to share your feelings or prayers with Fr. Bob. You can do that by sending letters and cards to him here at the parish.鈥�
The Rev. Daniel E. Carr will continue to serve as administrator pro tem of the parishes, taking over as chaplain and instructor of religion at Geibel, effective Wednesday.
Both Carr and the Rev. Julius Capongpongan will serve as parochial vicars at the churches alongside Lisik.
Diocese officials said, effective Friday, the Rev. Joseph E. Bonafed resigned as pastor of St. Edward in Herminie and Holy Family in West Newton. Bonafed was also granted a six-month leave of absence.
Last week, officials said a canonical investigation determined abuse allegations made against Bonafed last year were unsubstantiated. However, during the course of the church investigation, officials discovered Bonafed had engaged in 鈥渋nappropriate conduct in the workplace.鈥�
The Rev. David J. Nazimek was named pastor of Holy Family and will remain pastor of Church of St. Anne, Rostraver.
In Uniontown, the Rev. Dick Anthony Cortado was appointed parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist, St. Joseph, St. Mary (Nativity) and St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus, all in Uniontown, with residence at St. John parish rectory, effective Wednesday.
Other changes, effective Nov. 6, include:
n The Rev. Elmer Alforque will be the administrator of St. John the Baptist in Scottdale and St. Joseph in Everson, with residence at St. Joseph parish rectory.
n The Rev. Joel S. Boco will be the parochial vicar of St. Sebastian in Belle Vernon and The Epiphany of Our Lord in Monessen, with residence at St. Sebastian parish rectory.