Updated Aug. 21, 2025
The Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, Bishop of Raleigh, is pleased to convey the following official appointments and announcements:
Effective July 14, 2025
Very Reverend Matthew Nwafor, V.F., Dean of the Fayetteville Deanery and Pastor of Saint Ann Parish in Fayetteville, resigns as Dean and is granted a leave of absence to attend to personal matters.
Effective August 15, 2025
Deans
After consultation with the priests of their respective deaneries, the following are appointed as Deans for a term of five years:
- Very Reverend John A. Hanley, O.S.F.S., V.F., Albemarle Deanery
- Very Reverend Zacharie Tati, V.F., Fayetteville Deanery
Effective August 19, 2025
Reverend James Singarayar, H.G.N., Parochial Vicar at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Raleigh, is appointed temporary administrator of Saint Ann Parish in Fayetteville.
Effective August 25, 2025
Reverend José Guadalupe Matus Castillo, O.F.M. Conv., a member of the Franciscan Friars Conventual – Our Lady of the Angels Province, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Burlington.
Effective September 2, 2025
Reverend Patrick A. Keane, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raleigh, is appointed Pastor of Saint Paul Parish in New Bern and Saint Peter the Fisherman Mission in Oriental.
Reverend Nicolas Rapkoch, Parochial Vicar at Saint Thomas More Parish in Chapel Hill, is appointed Administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raleigh.
Effective September 15, 2025
Reverend Brian Shininger, L.C., a member of the Legionaries of Christ, has been assigned by his community as chaplain for Regnum Christi with residence at the Legionaries of Christ community in Durham.
Effective September 26, 2025
Reverend Ba Van Do, C.R.M., a member of the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer, is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of La Vang Parish in Raleigh.
Announcements
The Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama expresses his gratitude to the following priests as they conclude their service in the Diocese of Raleigh:
Reverend Stephen Ellis, L.C., who is reassigned to ministry outside of the diocese by his community.
Reverend Martin Tran Van Ban, C.R.M., who is reassigned to ministry outside of the diocese by his community.