MERRILLVILLE – Bishop Robert J. McClory has announced the following assignments, effective July 1, 2025.
Father Declan McNicholas is appointed associate pastor of St. Mary in Crown Point, in addition to his assignment as director of missionary discipleship and evangelization for the Diocese of Gary.
Father Steven Caraher is appointed to pursue a licentiate in sacred theology (STL) in the new evangelization from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Mich., in a distant learning format. This is in addition to his continued assignment as associate pastor of Holy Martyrs and Our Lady of Consolation parishes in Merrillville.
Father Jacob McDaniel is appointed to pursue a licentiate in canon law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, in a distance learning format. This is in addition to his continued assignment as chaplain of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso.
Deacon Robert Gromala is appointed diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies for the Diocese of Gary, in addition to his diaconal assignment at St. John the Evangelist in St. John.
Deacon Dale Webdell is assigned to Holy Martyrs and Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville.
Father John Zemelko is granted senior priest status.
Assignments of newly ordained priests:
Father Ivan Alatorre is appointed associate pastor of St. John Bosco in Hammond and co-chaplain of Bishop Noll Institute.
Father Alexander Kouris is appointed associate pastor of Holy Family Parish in LaPorte.
As part of the pastoral planning process in Michigan City announced last year:
Father David Kime is appointed pastor of Notre Dame in Michigan City, in addition to his assignment as pastor of Queen of All Saints and dean of the LaPorte/Starke Deanery.
Father Jordan Fetcko is appointed associate pastor of Notre Dame in Michigan City, in addition to his assignment as associate pastor of Queen of All Saints.
Father Zachary Glick is appointed associate pastor of Notre Dame in Michigan City, in addition to his assignment as associate pastor of Queen of All Saints.
Deacon Frank Gasaway is assigned to Notre Dame in Michigan City, in addition to his diaconal assignment at Queen of All Saints.
Deacon Michael Green is assigned to Notre Dame in Michigan City, in addition to
his diaconal assignment at Queen of All Saints.
Deacon Douglas Noveroske is appointed to Queen of All Saints in Michigan City, in addition to his diaconal assignment at Notre Dame.
Deacon William Zientarski is assigned to Notre Dame in Michigan City, in addition to his diaconal assignment at Queen of All Saints.
New appointment as dean of South Lake Deanery:
In accordance with his wishes, Father James Wozniak concluded his tenure as dean of the South Lake Deanery which became effective on Feb. 11. He remains as pastor of St. Matthias in Crown Point.
Father Gregory Bim‑Merle is appointed dean of the South Lake Deanery. This appointment became effective Feb. 11, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, and is in addition to his responsibilities as administrator of St. James the Less in Highland.
