CHS priest expands ministries, another leaves for India

Bishop announces pastoral appointments, including a senior priest

Published: July 6, 2021

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments:

Effective July 6

Rev. Lawrence Frederick appointed chaplain of Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as chaplain of Catholic High School and Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock.

Rev. Thomas Marks relieved of his responsibilities as chaplain of Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, VA Hospitals in Little Rock and from visiting nursing homes and homebound in the Little Rock area and inmates at Wrightsville prison to become a senior priest.

Rev. Rajasekhar Chittem relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Booneville and St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Waldron to return to India to help care for his ailing mother. We look forward to his return within a year or so.

Effective August 3

Rev. Joseph Chan appointed from chaplain to sacramental minister of Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith and chaplain of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith and Mercy Crest in Barling, and pastor of St. Leo Church in Hartford.

Rev. Les Farley appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Booneville and St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Waldron. He is relieved of his responsibilities as chaplain of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith and Mercy Crest in Barling, and pastor of St. Leo Church in Hartford.