Archbishop Appoints Priests to Naugatuck Churches

Pictured: St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naugatuck Photo by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D, the Archbishop of Hartford, has made the following appointments. Msgr. John J. McCarty, Chancellor announced the information on June 22 in the Catholic Transcript.

Reverend John Kuzhikottayil, S.D.B left his post as Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi in Naugatuck to an assignment outside the Archdiocese effective June 15, 2015. No further details were given.

Reverend Mathal Vellappallil, S.D.B, who is new to the Archdiocese, was named the Administrator at St. Francis of Assisi effective June 15, 2015. Reverend George Nadackal Varkey, S.D.B., who is also new to the Archdiocese, was appointed the Parochial Vicar at St. Francis of Assisi effective on the same date.

Monsignor John J. Bevins, most recently the Pastor of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, was appointed to Senior Status effective July 1, 2015. Because deacons and priests have received the sacrament of holy orders and therefore never retire in the canonical sense, the term “senior priest” describes their status.

Deacon Thomas J. Clifford was moved from his assignment at St. Francis Xavier in Waterbury in order to return to his role as Deacon at St. Mary and St. Hedwig Parishes in Naugatuck effective July 1, 2015.

Before a farewell reception held last Sunday for Reverent Eugene Kotlinski C. M., it was announced that Archbishop Leonard Blair has appointed Rev. Sebastian Kos, the parochial vicar at Holy Cross Church in New Britain, as administrator of St. Mary and St. Hedwig effective July 30, 2015. Fr. Kos was ordained on May 15, 2010 by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell.