Each year, the Clergy Personnel Board – comprised of a group of several priests from around the diocese – holds a series of meetings with the Bishop to discuss the current clergy personnel needs for our parishes and ministries and advise the Bishop on them; Bishop then makes his final decisions about assignments. Followed herein are the clergy assignments released May 14. Additional assignments will be announced in due time.

PASTORS

Very Reverend Kevin M. Bazzel is named Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Homewood, effective July 1, 2026. He continues in his existing diocesan roles as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.

Reverend E. Gray Bean is named Pastor of Our Lady of the Shoals Parish in Tuscumbia, effective July 1, 2026.

Reverend Jose B. Chacko is named Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Bessemer, effective July 1, 2026.

Very Reverend Anthony J. Weis is named Pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Leeds, effective July 1, 2026.

PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS

Reverend Pachomius Alvarado, O.S.B., is named Parochial Administrator of Saint James Parish in Gadsden, effective July 1, 2026.

Reverend Thomas Kannampilly Anthony is named Parochial Administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Adamsville and St. Stanislaus Parish in Wylam, effective July 1, 2026.

PAROCHIAL VICARS (ASSOCIATE PASTORS)

Reverend Jacob Ebong Ntoko’s assignment is modified such that he will no longer have Parochial Vicar duties at Our Lady of Sorrows. He becomes full-time Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. Paul with Chaplaincy of BHM Catholic Campus Ministry and Saint Stephen the Martyr Chapel, effective July 1, 2026.

Please pray for all the priests making changes and for their parishioners, present and future.