CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., announces the following priest assignment changes, effective July 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted:
Rev. Robert W. Bauman
Newly ordained, to Chaplain at Appalachian State University in Boone.
Rev. Oscar D. Benavides
From Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Lexington to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Charlotte.
Rev. Herbert T. Burke Jr.
From Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Forest City to Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte.
Rev. Michael P. Camilleri
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.
Rev. Daniel E. Chavez Peña
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville.
Rev. Jason M. Christian
To Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Kernersville.
Rev. John W. Cuppett
Newly ordained, to Chaplain of Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville.
Rev. Binoy P. Davis
From Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte to Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Forest City.
Rev. Matthew W. Dimock
From Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem.
Rev. Maximillian K. Frei
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro.
Rev. Juan González Hernández
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe.
Rev. John D. Hanic
Retiring as Pastor of St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish in North Wilkesboro and St. Stephen Mission in Elkin.
Rev. Aaron Z. Huber
From Chaplain of Christ the King High School and Priest in Residence at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville to Parochial Administrator of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa.
Rev. Bryan Ilagor
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of St. Therese Parish in Mooresville.
Rev. Michael J. Lugo
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Belmont.
Rev. Gnanapragasam Mariasoosai
Retiring as Pastor of St. Joseph of the Hills Parish in Eden.
Rev. Huver E. Navarro-Vigo
From Parochial Vicar of St. Therese Parish in Mooresville to Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Lexington.
Rev. David F. O’Connor
From Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville to Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe.
Rev. Engelbert Ofon
From Parochial Vicar of St. Therese Church in Mooresville to Parochial Administrator of St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish in North Wilkesboro and St. Stephen Mission in Elkin.
Rev. José A. Palma Torres
From Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem to Parochial Administrator of St. Joseph of the Hills Parish in Eden and Holy Infant Parish in Reidsville.
Rev. Peter T. Pham
From Priest in Residence at St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte to Chaplain for Charlotte-Area Hospitals.
Rev. Benjamin A. Roberts
From Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe to serving the faithful at the Waxhaw campus of St. Matthew Parish as a Priest in solidum with Father Patrick Cahill, Moderator Priest in solidum. Father Roberts will lead them in the process of becoming their own parish.
Rev. Peter M. Rusciolelli
From Parochial Vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem to Parochial Administrator of St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King, effective Dec. 31, 2026.
Rev. Jonathan D. Torres
Returning from sabbatical to Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury.
Rev. Nohé Torres Vizcaino
From Parochial Administrator of Holy Infant Parish in Reidsville to return to his home Diocese of Ciudad Valles, Mexico.
Rev. Peter J. Townsend
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of Holy Infant Parish in Reidsville and St. Joseph of the Hills Parish in Eden.
Rev. James C. Tweed
Newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of the Waxhaw Catholic Community.
Rev. Melchesideck W. Yumo
From Parochial Administrator of St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King to return to his home Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, effective Dec. 31, 2026.
— Catholic News Herald
Priest assignments FAQ
1. How are priest assignments determined in the Diocese of Charlotte?
Each year, priests complete a survey expressing their current status and any ministerial goals or interests. Bishop Michael Martin, with guidance from the priest personnel board, reviews these inputs alongside parish needs. Assignments are made based on a careful balance of diocesan priorities, priest development and pastoral care.
2. Are priests moved on a regular schedule?
No, the Diocese of Charlotte does not follow a fixed rotation system. Instead, assignments are made based on the specific needs of the time. Pastors typically serve for five to six years or longer, while parochial vicars move more frequently to gain experience and support areas of greater need.
3. Why are reassignments necessary?
Reassignments respond to parish growth, retirements, special missions and other changes. The goal is to serve the diocese as a whole – matching priests’ gifts with the needs of various communities to build up the Body of Christ.
4. How do reassignments impact parishes and priests?
Reassignments can be emotional as relationships between priests and parishioners grow strong over time. While change is challenging, it brings renewal: new energy, new ideas, and new opportunities for growth in faith and ministry – for both priest and parish.
5. When do assignments take effect?
Priest assignments are typically announced in May and take effect on July 1. This allows time for smooth transitions and warm welcomes for incoming clergy.