After prayerful discernment, and in collaboration with the Diocesan Personnel Committee, we wish to make the following pastoral appointment announcements:
Rev. Thomas Chinnappa, currently Pastor of Church of the Ascension Parish in Parksville, will be returning to his home diocese of Mysore, India, as his assignment from his Bishop has ended. Fr. Thomas’ last day in the Diocese of Victoria will be May 13, 2026. We are grateful for Fr. Thomas’ nine years of service in our Diocese; now is the opportune time for him to return so that he may reconnect with his own Diocese and his Bishop. We ask you to join us in prayer that his new assignment may be a source of spiritual growth and renewal.
Church of the Ascension Parish, while without a pastor, will be served by an Executive Committee composed of Jack Chambers, Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council, and Jim Lewis, Chair of the Finance Committee.
Fr. Harrison Ayre, currently Pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in Nanaimo, assigned to the Archdiocese of Edmonton to serve in the teaching faculty of Newman Theological College and to provide assistance in the parishes of the Archdiocese, effective June 1, 2026.
Fr. Kenneth Uwaoma, currently Associate Priest at St. Peter’s Parish in Nanaimo, appointed Pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in Nanaimo, effective June 1, 2026.
Fr. Benson Asuming, currently Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria, is appointed Pastor of the West Coast Parishes (Holy Family Parish in Ucluelet, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Tofino, and St. Lawrence Parish in Ahousaht), effective July 1, 2026. Katherine Loiselle, currently Pastoral Administrator of the West Coast Parishes, will continue to serve the community until July 15, 2026 to assist Fr. Benson in transitional continuity.
Fr. Silvichan Dominic CFIC, currently Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Victoria, is appointed Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria and Bishop’s Delegate and Chaplain of St. Patrick’s School, effective July 1, 2026.
Fr. Erik Oland SJ, new to our Diocese, appointed Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Victoria effective September 1, 2026. Fr. Erik’ focus will be on sacramental ministry and spiritual direction. Tanya Taft will continue in her role as Pastoral Assistant, with a focus on ministry coordination and parish governance.
Fr. Michael Tran, currently Pastor of Holy Family Notre Dame Parish in Port Alberni, appointed Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Mill Bay, Chaplain to the Cowichan District Hospital, and Chaplain to the Vietnamese community living in the Diocese of Victoria, effective August 1, 2026. Liz Summers, currently Pastoral Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish, will continue to serve the community until September 1, 2026 to assist Fr. Michael in transitional continuity.
Fr. Dennis Shavanger MSsCc, new to our Diocese, appointed Pastor of Holy Family Notre Dame Parish in Port Alberni and Bishop’s Delegate and Chaplain of St. John Paul II School, effective August 1, 2026. Fr. Dennis is a priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Congregation. He is joining us from the Diocese of Prince George, where he has served since 2020.
Fr. Shijo George VC is appointed Bishop’s Delegate and Chaplain of St. Andrew’s Regional High School, effective August 15, 2026 . Fr. Shijo will also continue his roles as Pastor of the Syro-Malabar community of the Diocese of Victoria, and Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Victoria.
We are most grateful for the dedicated and faithful people who minister in our Diocese. Your continued support and prayers for the ongoing pastoral needs of the Diocese of Victoria are much appreciated.
