Fr. Robert Tatman (right) has been named Pastor of the Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory. He announced the appointment after the noon Mass Friday, and the congregation greeted the news with sustained applause.
Fr. Tatman has led the parish since March, 2008, when the oratory was dedicated and he became the administrator of the newly-formed quasi-parish. "The main difference is permanence and stability," he said following his announcement. "A parish administrator is typically a more temporary appointment. This recognizes the growth of our community and provides a greater degree of pastoral leadership."
Pastors typically are appointed for a term of six years in the diocese of Venice, he said.
Fr. Tatman, 50, was ordained a priest in October, 2004, and served at St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples before being assigned to Ave Maria.
Fr. Robert Tatman (right) has been named Pastor of the Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory. He announced the appointment after the noon Mass Friday, and the congregation greeted the news with sustained applause.