SMYRNA—The Mission of St. Mary in Elberton will be assigned for administration to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hartwell, effective July 1, 2014. The mission had been assigned for administration to St. Joseph Church in Washington.

A decree from Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory changing the assignment of St. Mary was issued on June 2, 2014.

The decree states that “after consultation with the Priest Personnel Board and in discussion with the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in their role as Episcopal Vicars,” Archbishop Gregory has decreed the transfer. The decree states that “it has been determined that the People of God presently being served” at the mission will “be better ministered to by the change of administration” from Washington to Hartwell.

The mission boundaries, which consist of all of Elbert County, remain the same, and all the people who are members of the mission, whether by registration or residence, are still members of the mission.

Father Rafael A. Castaño Fernandez, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hartwell, will also be the administrator of St. Mary Church in Elberton, effective July 1.