The Diocese of Madison has announced the creation of a new merged parish — Nativity of the Lord Parish — effective December 20.

The merger of Nativity of the Lord Parish unites the church communities of St. Jerome Church in Columbus, St. Olaf Church in DeForest, St. Patrick Church in Doylestown,  St. Joseph Church in East Bristol, St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Poynette, and St. Joseph Chuch in Rio.

St. Jerome School in Columbus is also part of the parish.

Fr. James Leeser will serve as the pastor, with Fr. Joji Reddy Thirumalareddy and Fr. Bala Kasipogu serving as parochial vicars.

A Mass of installation for Father Leeser will be celebrated at a later date.

A future Catholic Herald article will cover the installation and more about the merger.