Clergy assignment changes – August 2026

Father Mark S. Ott was appointed pastor of Holy Martyrs Parish, Medina. This appointment is effective Aug. 1 and is in addition to his current assignment as professor of sacred Scripture for Saint Mary Seminary in Wickliffe. He will live at Holy Martyrs Parish, Medina.

Father Damian J. Ference was appointed administrator of St. Michael Parish, Cleveland, effective Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, while Father Mark R. Riley, pastor of St. Michael Parish, Cleveland, is on sabbatical. This new assignment is in addition to his assignment as vicar for evangelization and parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland. His residence remains unchanged.

Father Richard Bona was appointed rector of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth, Cleveland, effective June 1. This assignment is in addition to his assignment as pastor of St. Emeric Parish, Cleveland and as adjunct judicial vicar for the Diocese of Cleveland Tribunal. His residence remains unchanged.

Father Stephen M. Spisak was granted early retirement/senior priest-retired status for health reasons, effective July 31.

Deacon Phillip P. Kraynik will conclude his diaconal assignment at St. Patrick Parish, Thompson and he was granted retirement status as a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective Oct. 30.

Canon James T. Hoogerwerf, ICRSS, with the permission of Canon Matthew Talarico, ICRSS, U.S. provincial superior of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, concluded his appointment as rector of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth, Cleveland, and he was been appointed rector of Immaculate Conception Oratory, Cleveland, effective June 1.

Father Almachius Mushumbusi Rwejuna, with the permission of Mgr. John Zuraw, vicar general of the Diocese of Youngstown, was granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland effective Aug. 1 for a period of one year while he continues his studies at Kent State University. He retains faculties with the Diocese of Youngstown.