Updated: Priestly ministry appointments announced

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 April 30, 2021

Reverend Dongwook Lee, a priest of the Archdiocese of Seoul, Korea, is appointed Pastor of Saint Ha-Sang Paul Jung Parish in Apex.

Effective June 12, 2021

Reverend Thomas Simisky, S.J., a priest of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Saint Raphael the Archangel Parish in Raleigh.

Effective June 29, 2021

Reverend Edward Tembo, C.I.C.M., a priest of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary-Missionhurst, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Maria Reina de las Americas Parish in Mt. Olive and her mission, Santa Teresa del Nino Jesus in Beulaville.

Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama expresses his sincere appreciation to Reverend Vincent Marchionni, S.J., Parochial Vicar at Saint Raphael the Archangel Parish in Raleigh, for his faithful and generous priestly ministry. Father Marchionni has been assigned to priestly ministry in another diocese by his Provincial Superior, effective July 21, 2021.

The Major Superior-USA Vice Province, The Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, (Fransalians) has recommended Reverend Arul Yagappan, MSFS, be appointed Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills and its mission, San Isidro in Fayetteville. Bishop Zarama has accepted this recommendation. Further information on an additional assigned priest of The Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales will be forthcoming.

Effective August 14, 2021

Reverend Francis P. Gillespie, S.J., a priest of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, is appointed Administrator of Saint Mary Parish in Laurinburg until a new pastor can be assigned. Additionally, Father Francis P. Gillespie, S.J., will assist in priestly ministry for Mass on Saturday evenings at Our Lady of the Snows Mission in Elizabethtown.

Announcement

Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama expresses his sincere appreciation to Reverend Thomas (Joe) Gaul, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills, for his many years of faithful priestly ministry in the Diocese of Raleigh. Father Joe Gaul, Pastor Emeritus of Good Shepherd parish, retires from active priestly ministry, effective June 29, 2021.