New Catholic priest feels 'welcomed' in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — The Catholic Diocese of Toledo typically uses the summer season to shift the placement of its clergy. This summer, the diocese chose to move three priests into or away from the Erie County area.Father Matthew Frisbee, who's served at Sandusky's St. Mary's, Holy Angels, and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic churches, announced several months ago that he would be making the move to the Lexington area.Frisbee will now be the pastor of Resurrection Church in Lexington and St. Mary of the Snows church in Mansfield. The congregation of all three local Catholic parishes wished Frisbee luck in this next chapter.The new pastor for Sandusky's Catholic churches, Father John Christopher Jesudhason, held his first mass at Holy Angels on Monday morning. He comes from St. Joseph Church in Maumee, where he stayed for eight months. He joins Father Jeff Walker and Father Monte Hoyles in managing Sandusky's three Catholic churches.Jesudhason, who prefers to be called Father Chris, is already feeling welcomed by the parish. What's new to him is the American culture present in the area. He commented on the distance between houses, friendliness of neighbors, pride for the flag, and mayflies, all the things he did not experience in his home country of India. Jesudhason has only visited the Sandusky area twice before.Hoyles spoke of the openness and friendship between priests. "I'm glad he's here," Hoyles said of Jesudhason's arrival.Those wishing to get to know Jesudhason can visit after Sunday masses where he will be available for fellowship and refreshments.Other changesRev. Paul Schreiner leaves St. Patrick of Heatherdowns church in Toledo, to join Vermilion St. Mary Church as parochial administrator. Current Vermilion St. Mary pastor Ron Brickner is heading to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in New London as a pastor, as well as serving as presbyteral moderator and Chaplin of St. Mary Church in Wakeman.Additionally, Jose Zamora has also been appointed the pastoral leader of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clyde.St. Mary's Catholic Church at 429 Central Ave., Sandusky.