The Catholic Messenger
Bishop Dennis Walsh announced two changes in pastoral leadership in response to the announcement last month of Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Father Thom Hennen as Bishop-elect of the Baker, Oregon Diocese. Bishop-elect Hennen’s ordination and installation are set for Sept. 29.
Father Jason Crossen has been appointed vicar general for the Diocese of Davenport and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, effective Sept. 1. He is relieved of his assignment as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bettendorf. Father Rich Adam, while remaining as pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Bettendorf, has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Father Crossen, 51, completed a BA in theology/philosophy with a minor in music from St. Ambrose University in Davenport. He completed his MA in spirituality from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. On June 24, 2000, Bishop William Franklin ordained him to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Crossen has served at Holy Family Parish in Davenport, Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish in Muscatine, St. Joseph Parish in Columbus Junction and St. Mary Parish in Wilton. He has served as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes since 2014.
Father Adam, 66, graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport with a degree in music education and completed a master’s in counseling from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. He completed theology studies at St. John Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota. On June 17, 1988, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. He served at Corpus Christi Parish and St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sioux City, St. Joseph Parish in Duncombe and Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs. In the Diocese of Davenport, he has served at Holy Trinity Parish in Richmond, St. Mary Parish in Riverside, St. Joseph Parish in Wellman and Sacred Heart Cathedral. He has served as pastor of St. John Vianney since 2021.
Bishop Walsh also announced that Deacon Alfonso Pizano Jr. will return to his studies for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
