Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, has granted senior status effective March 1 to Father Tom Royer, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Champaign since 1973.

Father Joseph Hogan, pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Urbana, is the new pastor of St. Mary’s. He will retain his duties with the Urbana parish.

Father Royer, who turned 75 in January and is known for his commitment to social justice issues and the poor locally and around the world, observed the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood last May. He plans to reside in Urbana.

The Catholic Post will feature a story on Father Royer’s priestly vocation in our next issue. The March 20 issue will also include our annual special section dedicated to vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.