Bishop announces seven new pastoral appointments

Father Hardesty to take a medical leave of absence; Father Fanrak to become senior priest

Published: May 16, 2022

By Arkansas Catholic Staff

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments:

Effective Immediately

Rev. Ernest Hardesty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he will be on a medical leave of absence. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. Please keep him in your prayers.

Rev. Mauricio Carrasco appointed administrator of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of St. John Church in Russellville, St. Augustine Church in Dardanelle and St. Andrew Church in Danville.

Rev. Martin Amaro appointed associate administrator of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as associate pastor of St. John Church in Russellville, St. Augustine Church in Dardanelle and St. Andrew Church in Danville.

Effective June 13

Rev. James Fanrak relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Mary Mother of God Church in Harrison and St. Andrew Church in Yellville to become senior priest.

Rev. Benjamin Riley appointed administrator of Mary Mother of God Church in Harrison and St. Andrew Church in Yellville. He is relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock.

Rev. Andrew Hart, JCL, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Stuttgart and Holy Trinity Church in England. He remains adjutant judicial vicar and judge and will work full-time in the tribunal of the Diocese of Little Rock. He will reside at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Little Rock.

Rev. Babu Rao Battula, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, India, appointed pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Stuttgart and Holy Trinity Church in England.