ERIE – Catholic churches in Southern Clarion County will soon have a new priest, according to an announcement this week by the Erie Diocese.
The Rev. Kevin O. Holland was assigned to St. Charles Parish in New Bethlehem, which includes its secondary mission church, St. Nicholas in Crates.
He was also appointed to St. Eusebius Parish in East Brady, and its secondary mission church, St. Richard in Rimersburg.
The appointments take effect July 29.
That same day also marks the retirement of the Rev. Samuel G. Bungo, who has served the New Bethlehem and Crates churches for a number of years.
The appointments were made by Bishop Lawrence Persico of the Diocese of Erie.
According to published reports, Holland grew up in Erie and attended Cathedral Prep. He went on to study at St. Mark’s Seminary and Gannon University in Erie, before completing his seminary studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md.
Father Holland was ordained in the Diocese of Erie in May 2020, and was assigned that year as campus minister for the Elk County Catholic School System and parochial vicar of Queen of the World Parish in St. Mary’s. He served there until August 2025.
He then went on to serve as parochial vicar at St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Erie.
Holland’s appointment at the Clarion County churches extends until July 31, 2032, and he will reside in the St. Charles Rectory.