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With the start of the new ministerial year set to begin July 1, Bishop Alberto Rojas wishes to share the following information on priest assignments.


I. INTERIM APPOINTMENT

  • Rev. Carlos Zacarias, ST, Interim Administrator, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mecca, effective February 21, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2026.


II. PASTOR APPOINTMENT

  • Rev. Juan Lopez, Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, for a term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Luis Omar Reyes Prado, OdeM, Pastor, St. Anthony, Riverside, for a term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Francisco Varela Delgadillo, CORC, Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe, San Bernardino, for a term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Luis de la Cruz Quen, MSP, Pastor, St. Charles Borromeo, Bloomington, for a term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Daniel Abba, CSSp, Pastor, Holy Spirit, Hemet, for a term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032. We welcome back Father Daniel to the Diocese. We also thank Father Micheal Onwuemelie, CSSp, for his good service and administration as Pastor of the parish. He will reside in the Hemet area and will be available for supply work.
  • Rev. Rogelio González, Pastor, St. John XXIII, Fontana for a term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2032. Father Rogelio will conclude his time as Vicar Forane for the San Bernardino Vicariate.
  • Rev. Edmund Gomez, Pastor, Christ the Good Shepherd, Adelanto for a term of six (6) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Clemente Perez-Tellez, OdeM, Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Riverside for a term of six (6) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2032.


III. PASTOR REAPPOINTMENT

  • Rev. Santos Ortega, Pastor, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Yucaipa, for one (1) more additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Erik Esparza, JCL, Pastor, The Holy Name of Jesus, Redlands, for a second term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032. Father Erik continues in his role as the Diocesan Director of the Office of Priest Personnel.
  • Rev. Edward Gabriel, SVD, Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Ontario for a second term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Deebar Yonas, SVD, Pastor, St. George, Fontana for an extension of three (3) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2029
  • Rev. Francisco Gomez Aguilar, ST, Pastor, Our Lady of Soledad, Coachella for a second term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Hector Magallon-Moreno, CORC, Pastor, St. Edward, Corona for a second term of six (6) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2032.
  • Rev. Ba ‘Philip’ Lam, CRM, Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene, Corona for an additional term of six (6) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2032.

The following priests have reached the age of 65 and after having already reached a full term of service, petition Bishop to serve year to year as Pastor at their respective parishes:

  • Rev. Msgr. Tom Burdick, Pastor, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Winchester for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. James McLaughlin, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, La Quinta for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Charles Miller, Pastor, Queen of Angels, Idyllwild for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Delwyn Haroldson, CR, Pastor, Our Lady of the Desert, Apple Valley for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Michael Osuch, CR, Pastor, Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Arrowhead for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027.

 

IV. ADMINISTRATOR/RECTOR APPOINTMENT

  • Very Rev. Rafael Partida, Rector, Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino for a term of three (3) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2029. Father Rafael continues in his role as Episcopal Vicar of Riverside Pastoral Region and Diocesan Director of the Office of Divine Worship.
  • Rev. Jos R. Peter, MSC, Administrator, St. Theresa, Palm Springs for a term of three (3) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2029. Father John Kavack, MSC, retires as Pastor of the parish but will reside in the Palm Springs area to be available for supply help. We thank Father John for his good service to the people of the parish.
  • Rev. Antonio Guzman, Administrator, St. Junipero Serra, Phelan for a term of three (3) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Andres Rivera, Administrator, St. Andrew Newman Center, Riverside for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Maurice J. Quindoy, Administrator, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Crestline for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Jorge Tellez, Administrator, St. Joseph, Big Bear for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Cyriacus Ogu, Administrator, Our Lady of the Assumption, San Bernardino for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Peter T. Phan, Administrator, St. Mel, Norco for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.


V. ADMINISTRATOR REAPPOINTMENT

  • Rev. Patrick Kirsch, Administrator, Our Lady of the Snows, Wrightwood, for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Arturo Mateo, MSC, Administrator, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Riverside for one (1) additional year effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Stanley Onwuegbule, Administrator, San Secondo d’Asti, Guasti for an additional term of three (3) years effective July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Juan Martin Escobedo, MSP, Administrator, St. Joseph, Fontana for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.


VI. ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENTS CONTINUED

  • Rev. Canice O. Nwizu, Administrator, St. Louis, Cathedral City for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029. We thank Father Canice for his service as Vicar Forane for the High Desert Vicariate.
  • Rev. Oscar Fernandez Prada Lavado, OFM Cap, Administrator, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Chino for three (3) years effective July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029.


VII. OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

  • Rev. Raul Perez Mendoza as of March 1, 2026 has been assigned as Coordinator for the High Desert Vicariate Detention Ministry under the Department of Life, Dignity and Justice. He will serve the needs within the High Desert prison systems.
  • Rev. Felix Twumasi as of February 1, 2026 has been hired as Priest Hospital Chaplain at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage. We welcome Father Felix to the diocese.
  • Rev. Tyler Tripp is assigned as a member of the Formation Team at St. Junipero Serra House of Formation, Grand Terrace. Father Tyler will also take up additional responsibilities at the Diocesan Pastoral Center and within the Office of Canonical Services.
  • Rev. Predheep Sathiyanathan, SVD, Hospital Chaplain, Kaiser Ontario for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029. Father Predheep will be in residence at St. George, Ontario with the SVD community.
  • Father Anthony Waturuocha, Hospital Chaplain, San Antonio Regional Hospital for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029. Father Anthony will be in residence at St. Joseph, Upland.
  • Rev. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku appointed as Vicar for Priests beginning July 1, 2026 in addition to his responsibilities as a member of the Formation Team at St. Junipero Serra House in Grand Terrace.


VIII. PARISH ENTRUSTMENT


Under the norms of the Code of Canon Law (canon 520) and having consulted with the MPPB, Bishop Rojas entrusts the pastoral care of St. Thomas More, Rialto, to the US Western Province of the Society of the Divine Word effective July 1, 2026 for six (6) years. Rev. Nhan Van Tran, SVD is appointed Pastor for six (6) years beginning July 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2032. A second priest, Rev. Danh Van Pham, SVD will be assigned as Parochial Vicar for three (3) years beginning on July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029. We thank the US Western Province of the Society of Divine Word for accepting this parish entrustment.


IX. NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS

  • Rev. Luis Angeles, Parochial Vicar, St. Francis of Assisi, La Quinta for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Larry Curtis, Parochial Vicar, Holy Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.


X. PAROCHIAL VICAR ASSIGNMENT

  • Rev. Jose Antonio Orozco, Parochial Vicar, St. Peter & St. Paul, Alta Loma for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Alfredo Olmos, MSP, Parochial Vicar, St. Frances of Rome, Wildomar for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Julian Plascencia, Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph, Barstow and St. Philip Neri, Lenwood for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Carlos Flores, Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart, Palm Desert for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Bryant Rivas, Parochial Vicar, Holy Family, Hesperia for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Maleselino Kauvaetupu, MSC, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Solitude and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Palm Springs for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Eloy Trujillo, Parochial Vicar, St. Kateri Tekawitha, Beaumont/Banning for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Richard Ahumada, Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony, San Jacinto for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Jonathan Garcia, Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Hai ‘Dominic’ Vu, Parochial Vicar, St. Andrew Newman Center, Riverside for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Charles ‘Gino’ Galley, Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony, Upland for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Yovanny Acosta, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Jose Guadalupe Ramirez, Parochial Vicar, St. Mel, Norco for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Pedro Chingando, MS, Parochial Vicar, St. Paul the Apostle, Chino Hills for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Rizal Pedro Acosta Jr., MS, Parochial Vicar, St. Christopher, Moreno Valley for one (1) year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Alphonsus Nwwaogu, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Desert, Apple Valley for one (1) year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Xavier Cachago Diaz, Parochial Vicar, St. John XXIII, Fontana for one (1) year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Johnny Dang, Parochial Vicar, St. Adelaide, Highland for one (1) year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.


XI. PAROCHIAL VICAR REAPPOINTMENT

  • Rev. Leonard DePasquale, IMC, Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick, Moreno Valley for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Athanasius Ezealla, Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick, Moreno Valley for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Celestine Afugwobi, Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas the Apostle, Riverside for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Suresh Manickam, HGN, Parochial Vicar, St. Margaret Mary, Chino for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Jude Durairaj, HGN, Parochial Vicar, St. Adelaide, Highland for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Gabriel Ezeh, SMMM, Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent Ferrer, Menifee for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Julian Okoroanyanwu, Parochial Vicar, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ontario for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Jose Luis Rivas, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Chino for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. David Foxen, MSC, Parochial Vicar, St. Theresa, Palm Springs for one (1) additional year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Rev. Christopher Navarro, MS, Parochial Vicar, St. Christopher, Moreno Valley for three (3) additional years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Benediktus Obon, SVD, Parochial Vicar, Queen of Angels, Riverside for three (3) additional years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Quang Pham, SVD, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Hope, San Bernardino three (3) additional years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Joseph Yesudass Sunder Raj, MSC, Parochial Vicar, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Riverside three (3) additional years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
  • Rev. Steve Porter, Parochial Vicar, St. Kateri Tekawitha, Beaumont/Banning for three (3) additional years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.