The East Tennessee Catholic
Bishop Mark Beckman has announced new assignments for four priests and two deacons serving in the Diocese of Knoxville.
The bishop has appointed Father Mark Schuster pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut and Father Adam Royal pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville effective April 4, 2025.
Father Schuster was ordained a priest June 8, 2019. He served as associate pastor at St. John Neumann starting July 1, 2019. Most recently, he has served as parochial administrator at St. Alphonsus since July 1, 2021, and becoming pastor effective June 1, 2022.
Father Royal was ordained a priest June 4, 2016. He has served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga and Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa. He also has served as chaplain for the diocesan Catholic Medical Association chapter. Most recently, he has served as associate pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City since July 1, 2023.
Bishop Beckman is working with the diocesan Priest Personnel Board to provide priestly assistance for St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City.
The bishop also announced that Father Joseph Maundu, GHM, has been appointed to serve as a parochial vicar of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge. This appointment took effect on March 1.
Father Hoan Dinh has been appointed to serve as a parochial vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Morristown. This appointment was effective March 13.
Deacon Paul Benfanti has been appointed to serve at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade. This appointment took effect March 14.
Deacon Benfanti and his wife, Cindy, recently moved to the diocese from St. Petersburg, Fla.
Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suárez has been appointed to serve at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa. This appointment took effect March 10.
Deacon Suárez and Deacon A.J. Houston have received their holy orders and are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood on June 7.
