Download a pdf of the announcement here.

His Excellency, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes is pleased to appoint Fr. Michael Hartge, from Graduate Studies in Canon Law, Ottawa, Canada, to Vicar General and Moderator of Mission Advancement, continuing as Moderator of the Curia, effective July 9, 2024.

In conjunction, Fr. William Hahn has been appointed Vicar General and Director of Priestly Life and Vocations effective July 9, 2024.

Msgr. Stephan Moloney, starting as Assistant Chancellor in 1985, and appointed Vicar General in 1997, has been appointed Vicar Forane for Northwest Columbus, continuing his assignment as Pastor of St. Andrew Church, Upper Arlington, effective July 9, 2024.

Matthew Schlater, COO, will transition out of his current role on July 9, 2024. Fr. Michael Hartge will oversee all offices of the Diocese of Columbus.

“In Fr. Michael Hartge and Fr. William Hahn, I have two men whom I trust deeply to share my mind in respect to teaching, governing, and sanctifying the Diocese of Columbus. I’m happy to appoint them to these positions.

In addition, I want to extend my profound gratitude to Monsignor Stephan Moloney who has served in the Chancery for almost 4 decades as Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, and Vicar General. He also served as Administrator to the Diocese in 2021 and 2022 when Columbus awaited a new bishop.

I also want to express my gratitude for the service of Matthew Schlater as COO of the Diocese of Columbus. Matt has been instrumental in planning for the Diocese’s future by implementing the structures necessary to carry out the work of Evangelization.” - Bishop Earl K. Fernandes

The Diocesan Curia Can. 469 The diocesan curia consists of those institutions and persons which assist the bishop in the governance of the whole diocese, especially in guiding pastoral action, in caring for the administration of the diocese, and in exercising judicial power.

Vicar General

Can. 475 §1. In each diocese the diocesan bishop must appoint a vicar general who is provided with ordinary power according to the norm of the following canons and who is to assist him in the governance of the whole diocese.

475 §2 As a general rule, one Vicar general is to be appointed, unless the size of the diocese, the number of inhabitants, or other pastoral reasons suggest otherwise.