Two of Atlanta’s leading parishes will change pastors and administrations on Sunday, September 5, it was announced today. The Marist Fathers, familiar to the Sacred Heart scene for 65 years, will assume parochial responsibility for the large suburban parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in North Atlanta. The Archdiocese of Atlanta will assume the pastorate and administration of Sacred Heart Parish on Ivy Street.

“The reasons for the transfer of these two important parishes are entirely pastoral,” Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan stated this week. “That is, the only consideration is the increase of Christ’s Kingdom, the intensification of a deep spiritual life in the thousands of families in these parishes. This reason, uppermost in the minds and hearts of our people, will help to ease the change. The very natural affection for priests long known, respected and loved is fully appreciated.”

“In the discussions which have gone on for over a year, certain spiritual advantages stood out. The archdiocese is moving ahead with its plan to construct the Catholic Center for Lay Action next to Sacred Heart Church, and later the central offices of the archdiocese in the same block. Because of this, there is logic in having this parish assigned to diocesan clergy. The care of nearby hospitals and convents will require more priests; Sacred Heart rectory will provide residence for teaching and staff priests of the archdiocese who can assist in this apostolate.”

“The Marists, to whom we are indebted for six decades of education, parish and mission care, will move to the growing parish of the Assumption. Within this parish’s boundaries is the Marist School, our splendid high school which has served generations of Catholics and those of other faiths. The parish will benefit by the long Marist tradition in Atlanta, and the flexibility of priests which was possible when the Marists were all on Ivy Street.”

“That the good of the Church was the main factor in the exchange is clear from the fact that both the archdiocese and the Marists were in perfect harmony during the entire negotiation. God will bless this step forward, we are sure,” the archbishop concluded.

The new pastor of Sacred Heart is the familiar Monsignor Joseph E. Moylan, vicar-general of the archdiocese for many years. The founder and builder of the Cathedral of Christ the King and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Monsignor Moylan now brings his long pastoral experience to the second oldest parish in the city. The present assistants, Father Conald Foust and Paul Kelley, will accompany Monsignor Moylan to Sacred Heart. Other priests will be assigned later to reside at Sacred Heart while engaged in teaching and staff appointments.

Monsignor Moylan, a native of Savannah, was ordained in October of 1917. Among the positions held by Monsignor is pastorate of the Immaculate Conception and the Cathedral of Christ the King. Monsignor Moylan is one of our two vicars-general, and archdiocesan consultor, Pro-Synodal Judge of our Metropolitan Tribunal, and chairman of our Commission of Development.

Father Thomas J. Roshetko, S.M., becomes the new pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption. For 6 years, he has been pastor of Sacred Heart where he and his fellow-Marists have initiated new programs for parishioners and downtown visitors. The “service” concept of the Church, so prominent in the new Vatican Constitution, has long been the theme of Sacred Heart’s parish life under Father Roshetko’s guidance. Fathers George J. Meiluta, Philip J. McArdle, Constantin A. Chauve, and James J. McGuckin - all members of the Marist Society have been serving Sacred Heart this year with Father Roshetko as pastor.

The negotiations began last year with Father Charles Willis, S.M., Provincial, the pastors concerned and the archbishop. Careful studies of both parishes were made. After many consultations with the Archdiocesan Consultors, and the Marist Provincial Council in Washington, as well as lay advisors on practical and legal points, the decision was reached to seek the approval of the Holy See.

The archdiocesan part of the transfer had to be submitted to the Congregation of the Council in Rome, and the Marist part by the Congregation of the Religious. Approval was received from the former on July 30, 1965.

The solemnization of the transfer will take place September 5, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at the 12:45 p.m. Mass which will be concelebrated by both pastors. Monsignor Moylan will be the principal celebrant and Archbishop Hallinan will preside.

At 6 p.m. on the same day, there will be another concelebration at Sacred Heart Church with Father Roshetko as the principal celebrant. Archbishop Hallinan will preside.

All members are invited to attend the two solemnizations.