By Erika Anderson, Staff Writer

ATLANTA—Father Serge E. Ward, pastor of St. Michael Church in Gainesville, will be the new director of vocations.

The 33-year old priest, who speaks both Spanish and French, was ordained on June 3, 1995, at the Cathedral of Christ the King by Archbishop John F. Donoghue. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and a master of divinity degree from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.

His first assignment after ordination was as a parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Church in Atlanta from June 1995-96. He was pastor of Christ Our King Church in Greensboro and Christ Our Savior Mission in Eatonton from June 1996-99.

In December 1999, Father Ward was named administrator of St. Michael Church in Gainesville following the unexpected illness of the pastor, Father Richard Kieran. Father Ward was named pastor April 6, 2000. He serves as a member of the archdiocesan vocations board.

Father Ward said he is looking forward to his new position.

“I think it reflects well on the archbishop’s emphasis on vocations that he wants to put someone in there full-time,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to do it.”

Father Ward said that serving as vocations director will give him the opportunity to share “Eucha-rist-based spirituality and Marian-based spirituality.”

Father Ward said that Msgr. David Talley, current vocations director, will offer his guidance as Father Ward adjusts to the new position.

“He has developed such an important relationship with the seminarians, one of a true father and mentor figure,” he said. “He has a lot to teach me and I have a lot to learn.”