Two local Catholic churches will have new leadership as of July 1.

Father John Guzaldo will take the position of administrator at St. Louis parish. Administrator carries the duties of pastor, but falls between the positions of associate pastor and pastor.

St. Louis’ former pastor, Father David Leibham, left recently on sabbatical, said Christian Gonzalez, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Austin.

Gonzalez said a sabbatical is an extended retreat that priests take about every 10 years in their career. Priests typically take one year off and may spend the time going to school.

“We encourage all priests to take a break from the ministry,” Gonzalez said.

St. Louis associate pastor Father Pius Matthew is leaving to take the administrator position at St. Paul Parish in Smithville.

Guzaldo was most recently priest adviser at St. Dominick Savio Catholic High School in north Austin. He also taught religion classes.

Gonzalez said Guzaldo’s experience at a high school likely played heavily into his assignment to St. Louis, which operates St. Louis Catholic School.

“He’s school-friendly and understands how a school works,” Gonzalez said.

At Waco’s St. Mary Catholic Church, Father Joe Geleney will step into the pastor position July 1.

Geleney was previously the pastor at St. Ann parish in Somerville.

Geleney is replacing Father Irudayaraj Thomas, who is returning to India.

wgragg@wacotrib.com

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