The Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, Bishop of Raleigh, is pleased to convey the following official appointments and announcements regarding priestly ministry in the Diocese of Raleigh:
Effective August 15, 2026
Reverend Lawrence Hayes, O.F.M., a Franciscan Friar of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Durham.
Effective September 1, 2026
Reverend Joseph Sands, S.J., a member of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Saint Raphael Parish in Raleigh.
Announcements
The Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, Bishop of Raleigh, extends a warm welcome to the following priests newly arrived in the Diocese of Raleigh:
- Reverend Thabang Nkadimeng, a priest in post-doctoral work at Duke University, will be in residence at Holy Infant Parish in Durham and available for local coverage.
Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama expresses his sincere appreciation to the following priests for their generous ministry:
- Reverend Cesar Torres Martinez, having completed the term of his employment eligibility, will be reassigned by his home bishop.
- Reverend Manuel Viera, O.F.M., Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Durham, will be reassigned outside of the diocese by his religious community.