Pastoral appointments announced May 11

Published: May 13, 2022

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, May 11, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock.

Effective Immediately:

  • Rev. Ernest Hardesty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and so 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 be residing 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.