The following clergy appointments and announcements by Bishop Mark Bartchak were released on June 27, 2025. All appointments are effective on July 23, 2025.
Reverend Ashok Kumar Alphonse, HGN, assigned as Parochial Vicar of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Altoona. He will continue as Chaplain of UPMC Altoona and of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Altoona. He will remain in residence at Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Lakemont, until suitable accommodations are prepared at Saint Therese Parish.
Reverend Michael Raj Arokiasamy, HGN, assigned as Sacramental Minister of Saint Michael Parish, West Salisbury, and Saint Mary Parish, Pocahontas, working with the Benedictine Fathers in providing coverage for these parishes. He will continue in his ministry as Parochial Vicar of Saint Peter Parish, Somerset, and as Sacramental Minister to Saint Peter in Chains Parish, SCI Somerset.
Reverend Peter D. Crowe assigned as Chaplain of Bishop McCort Catholic Academy, Johnstown. He will work together with the Reverend James F. Crookston who is also assigned as Chaplain of Bishop McCort Catholic Academy. He remains Pastor of Saint Andrew Parish, Johnstown, and Diocesan Director of Vocations. (Note: Bishop Bartchak has directed that those priests who are assigned to serve in Catholic high schools be designated as Chaplains rather than as Sacramental Ministers since their ministry extends to the entire student body of the school, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.)
Reverend Mariusz Gorazd assigned as Administrator of Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish, Altoona, and Administrator of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Altoona.
Reverend Brian P. Norris assigned as Diocesan Vocations Recruiter, Diocesan Director of Campus Ministry, and Sacramental Minister to the Altoona Campus of Penn State University. He will continue as Pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Altoona, and Chaplain of Bishop Guilfoyle Academy, Altoona.
Reverend Brian R. Saylor assigned as Chaplain of Saint Joseph Catholic Academy, Boalsburg, while continuing as Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Bellefonte, and Pastor of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Spring Mills.
Reverend John J. Slovikovski assigned as Diocesan Director of Ongoing Formation of Clergy and Clergy Services, while continuing as Pastor of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Johnstown.
Reverend Justin P. Treon assigned as Administrator of Saint Monica Parish, Chest Springs, and Administrator of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ashville, while continuing as Sacramental Minister to Mount Aloysius College, Cresson.
In keeping with the presentation of the Very Reverend Robert Marva, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister of the St. Augustine Province of the Capuchin Franciscans, the ministry of the Capuchin Friars within the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is amended as follows:
Reverend Mark Pattock, OFM Cap, assigned to residence at Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, Cumberland, Maryland, while continuing as Pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish, New Baltimore.
Reverend Stephen Shin, OFM Cap, assigned to residence at Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, Cumberland, Maryland, while continuing as Pastor of Saints Philip and James Parish, Meyersdale, and Saint Gregory Parish, MacDonaldton.
