May 31, 2024 - Priest Assignments

Office of the Bishop

31 May 2024

To: Diocese of Fairbanks
From: Bishop Steven J. Maekawa, O.P.
Subject: Ministry Assignments for Fr. Patrick Bergquist, Fr. M. Arokiya Don Bosco, ALCP/OSS, Fr. Francis Kakara, ALCP/OSS, Fr. Eugene Okere, CSSp., and Fr. Thinh Van Tran, OFM

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

To better provide for the faithful of our diocese, I am pleased to announce the following assignments.

• Fr. Patrick Bergquist as Parochial Administrator of Holy Mary of Guadalupe Parish, Healy, effective 1 June 2024. Fr. Patrick will also provide liturgical support in Denali National Park during the summer months.
• Fr. M. Arokiya Don Bosco, ALCP/OSS as Priest Moderator for St. Theresa Parish, Aniak; Holy Family Church, Holy Cross; Immaculate Conception Parish, Kalskag; St. Michael Parish, McGrath; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Russian Mission, effective 1 August 2024.
• Fr. Francis Kakara, ALCP/OSS as Priest Moderator for St. John Berchmans Parish, Galena and St. Peter in Chains Parish, Ruby, effective 13 July 2024.
• Fr. Eugene Okere, CSSp as Parochial Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, Barrow (Utqiaġvik), effective 8 June 2024.
• Fr. Thinh Van Tran, OFM as Priest Moderator for St. Teresa Parish, Kaltag; St. Patrick Parish, Koyukuk; and Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Nulato, effective 31 May 2024.

Thank you for your prayers, especially for our priests transitioning to new ministries and parishes. I ask you to continue to pray for vocations to the Diocese of Fairbanks.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Steven J. Maekawa, O.P.
Bishop of Fairbanks