Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We continue to grieve the loss of Father Alberto Avella. Father Avella was a tireless worker in the Lord’s vineyard. On Friday, October 21, at Saint Theresa Parish in Grants, NM, the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for the repose of his soul. I am grateful for the number of people who attended the Mass, especially his brother priests, as this was the most fitting way to thank Father Alberto for his many years of faithful service in the Diocese of Gallup.
Father Avella’s passing creates an opening in Grants, NM and the surrounding parishes/missions. With this in mind, the following assignments will go into effect on All Saints Day, November 1, 2022:
Father Matthew Keller, current Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Gallup, NM, is assigned as Pastor of Saint Theresa Parish in Grants, NM and its surrounding parishes/missions.
Father Mitchell Brown, current Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Gallup, NM, is assigned as Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Father Innocent Chibuikem Nzewuji from the Archdiocese of Oweri is assigned as Parochial Vicar of Saint Anthony Parish in Zuni, NM.
Father Cornelius Obumnaeme Okere from the Archdiocese of Owerri is assigned as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Gallup, NM.
Please keep these priests in your prayers as well as the communities they will serve.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” – Luke 10:2
