The Paulist Fathers have handed over the pastoral care of St. Augustine Church in Memphis, Tenn., back to the Diocese of Memphis, according to the Paulist administrative team. The transition will take place at the end of June 2012.

Current pastor, Fr. Bob Cary, C.S.P., informed St. Augustine parishioners over the weekend of May 26-27, and he told them a new pastor, Father Anthony Clark of the Society of the Divine Word, has been appointed to the church.

“Of course, this is a very sad time for the diocese of Memphis, the two Paulists who have served St. Augustine’s (Father John Geaney, CSP and current Pastor Father Robert Cary, CSP), and the parishioners,” said Paulist President Michael B. McGarry in a message to the Paulist community. “Let us all pray for St. Augustine Parish and Father Tony Clark.  We hope that the 10 years of Paulist ministry at St. Augustine inspired a Paulist missionary spirit. Now the SVD fathers will bring their special charism to St. Augustine parish.”