SALISBURY — Dr. Nydia E. Román Rodríguez, Ed.D., has been hired as the Hispanic Ministry Coordinator for the Albemarle Vicariate, effective Aug. 3, the Diocese of Charlotte’s Hispanic Ministry Office has announced.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Román moved to North Carolina in 2018 with her husband after he accepted a position in the textile industry. She holds both a doctorate and a master’s degree in Education, from the University of Puerto Rico.
At Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury, she has served as a lector and leader for the Liturgy of the Hours and participated in the Emmaus movement. Dr. Román hopes to bring her background in education and her passion for the Liturgy of the Hours to her new role.
“Teaching comes naturally to me, and I believe I can use that gift to help strengthen and educate the Hispanic community,” Román says.
— Brian Segovia
CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., announces that Father Dean Cesa is retiring effective Aug. 12, 2026.
Father Cesa has served as pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Candler since 2013. He also formerly served as pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains in Highlands, St. Barnabas in Arden, and St. John the Baptist in Tryon. Ordained in 1998, he also had assignments at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and St. Leo the Great in Winston-Salem.
Father Yves Kennedy Ilapi will temporarily serve the parish until a new pastor is named.
— Catholic News Herald