By Natalie Romano
Father Andres Rivera is on the move.
He’s dashing around the church grounds greeting parishioners and answering questions from his staff before hearing Confessions then celebrating Mass.
Although he’s in perpetual motion, his demeanor is calm. He listens thoroughly and answers thoughtfully.
It’s all in an effort to excel in his new position as administrator at St. Andrew Newman Center in Riverside.
“You try to model yourself after Christ,” said Fr. Rivera, who was ordained in 2022. “That’s the only way you can be a good shepherd because He is the ultimate good shepherd.”
Fr. Rivera, along with Father Antonio Guzman, Father Maurice Quindoy and Father Jorge Tellez are four diocesan priests who are now leading parishes for the first time. The former parochial vicars were appointed to their new positions as administrators, effective July 1.
Father Erik Esparza, JCL, is the Director of the diocesan Office of Priest Personnel. He says it’s a blessing anytime the Church gains new pastors.
“As a diocese, we always look at the gifts of the priest and assign them to parishes where those gifts can be nurtured and shared,” explained Fr. Esparza, who is also Pastor of The Holy Name of Jesus parish, Redlands. “As for the priests, the beauty is that in their ‘yes,’ even though there may be some nervousness about the new experience, is a willingness to serve in response to an invitation.”
Fr. Quindoy, ordained in 2023, says the blessing was unexpected. He was serving at St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Beaumont-Banning when he received the call.
“I felt a deep sense of surprise and humility,” said Fr. Quindoy, now administrator at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini parish, Crestline. “I was grateful that the diocese would entrust me…At the same time, I was reminded that ministry is ultimately not about what we choose for ourselves, but about where the Lord is calling us…”
For Fr. Tellez, there was the realization he had big shoes to fill. Moving from Sacred Heart parish in Rancho Cucamonga to St. Joseph in Big Bear meant - in part- replacing a longtime pastor who left for medical reasons. Fr. Tellez’s concerns were alleviated, however, before he even arrived.
“The parishioners have made the transition so smooth,” said the priest of four years. “They reached out to me on social media. They said, ‘We’ve been praying for you since we found out you were coming.’ It was amazing.”
What did take some time, though, was navigating the mountain highways.
“I was a little nervous about the windy roads,” chuckled Fr. Tellez. “But I’m getting used to them and the slower pace here…I make it my goal to walk the nice paths every day and meet the people.”
The change of scenery was not so dramatic for Fr. Guzman, since he moved from one end of the High Desert vicariate, St. Joseph, Barstow, to the other at St. Junipero Serra parish in Phelan. What he did observe were crowded Masses and dedicated parishioners. In the future, he hopes to better serve the people with more space.
“We are growing and that is a blessing,” said Fr. Guzman. “It’s a very good community. They love the Church. They are always here to serve.”
Before receiving the title of pastor, priests spend three years as administrators while “they grow into the role” says Fr. Esparza. This starts with training provided by his office, largely on the administrative parts of the job. The priests all agree one of their top concerns is handling the church budget.
“It’s not my money,” emphasized Fr. Guzman, who was ordained in 2020. “The people are bringing what God has given them to share with the community, and I have to make the best decisions for that community. It’s a big challenge.”
Yet it’s one he seems to be handling well. Bishop Alberto Rojas recently visited St. Junipero Serra, the first stop on his tour of planned visits to the four new leaders.
“[Fr. Guzman] is doing beautifully,” reported Bishop Rojas. “People have said, ‘Thank you for sending us this man. He’s wonderful.’ ”
Fr. Guzman is not the only one being praised.
After serving at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church in Alta Loma, Fr. Rivera moved to St. Andrew’s, which serves students from nearby UC Riverside and Riverside City College. While he says he wants to be “that ear, that presence” for his young adult parishioners, he also wants to serve the families. His goal is to unite the two demographics through shared events and the Gospel. Parishioners like what they’re hearing.
“He has beautiful homilies,” said Jordan Luedecking. “He speaks the truth and brings a lot of insight. Then he lets you reflect on that.”
At St. Frances Cabrini in Crestline, parishioners feel similarly about Fr. Quindoy.
Doreen Kennedy appreciates his conscientious and easygoing manner but most of all, she loves his homilies.
“Oh my gosh, they’re so good,” said Kennedy, Parish Director of Religious Education. “...They help you to relate it to something in your life, and that’s always important. They’re delivered well, and I just really have been enjoying his homily.”
After frequenting Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) classes at St. Joseph, Fr. Tellez says recent headlines about conversions are real. He’s meeting young people with “a desire to be close to God” and he wants to encourage that fervor. Parishioners say they appreciate the 37-year-old priest’s youthful energy.
“Father Jorge really focuses on religious education, and making sure people understand their faith,” noted Gregg Pilcher, Chairman of the Parish Finance Council. “I think that’s part of his seminary training…he’s more current in the Catholic faith.”
While the administrators are giving their best to their new parishes, they also recognize the importance of keeping themselves centered. Fr. Quindoy recently returned from a pilgrimage to several European countries including Poland. He says whether visiting holy places far away or sitting in the pews of his own church, he’s continually tending to his faith.
“My spiritual nourishment comes first and foremost through the Eucharist, prayer, scripture and time spent in the presence of the Lord,” said Fr. Quindoy. “I also need to remain faithful to the spiritual life of a priest, to make time for prayer even when ministry becomes busy, to listen to the Lord and remember that I am first a disciple…”
Back at St. Andrew’s, in Fr. Rivera’s office hangs a copy of the famous biblical painting “The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane” by El Greco. The dramatic scene depicts Jesus in prayer while several Apostles are sleeping, and the Roman soldiers are on their way.
“It’s important for me because it reminds me not to be distracted…not to go on autopilot…Jesus remains focused and I should be, too. I must always do God’s will.”
Natalie Romano is an award-winning freelance writer based in Southern California.