Fr. Jeremy Gries to Temporarily Serve St. Mary Parish While Continuing as Pastor of Holy Family

Dear Parishioners of Holy Family,

I write today to share that Fr. Tim Wyciskalla, Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has asked me to temporarily assist our neighbors at St. Mary Parish here in New Albany. Their pastor, Fr. Nico, has returned to Guest House in Michigan for further treatment and healing in his ongoing recovery from alcohol addiction. Please keep Fr. Nico in your prayers during this time of renewal and grace.

Effective immediately, I will serve as Administrator Pro Tempore of St. Mary Parish. In this role, I have been entrusted with the pastoral and administrative responsibilities of the parish for a defined period. I will remain Pastor of Holy Family and continue to be present with you, especially for Sunday Masses, sacraments, and our key parish ministries. While this added duty will stretch my calendar, I trust in God’s providence and your patience.

There will be another statement in the coming weeks regarding the longer-term plan for Fr. Nico and St. Mary Parish. I will share additional information and plans once the Archdiocesan Personnel Board has had time to determine a longer-term solution.

As Catholics, we are called to care not only for our own parishes, but also for the wider Body of Christ. This is one such moment of service and solidarity. I am grateful to parish staff and volunteer leaders who help carry the daily work of our mission, and I trust that together we can support one another as I share my pastoral care with our neighbors.

Please continue to pray for the people of St. Mary Parish as they navigate this temporary transition. And please keep Fr. Nico in your prayers as he walks the path of healing.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.
Holy Family, united in faith and love, pray for us.



In Christ,

Very Rev. Jeremy M. Gries
Pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church