April 1, 2025

Bishop Byrne names Father Christopher Malatesta vicar general, moderator of the curia

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – Bishop William D. Byrne announced the appointment of Father Christopher Malatesta as vicar general of the Diocese of Springfield. A vicar general reports to the bishop and is the moderator of the curia, or administrative affairs.

“Today I am very happy to share with you news that Father Christopher Malatesta has accepted my invitation to serve as the new vicar general and moderator of the curia,” Bishop Byrne wrote in a letter to priests.

“Father Chris will bring to his new position extensive pastoral knowledge of the diocese and experience in managing the many duties associated with such a critical position,” the bishop stated.

Father Malatesta served as pastor of the Catholic communities of Dalton and Hinsdale, which include St. Agnes Parish in Dalton, St. Agnes Academy in Dalton and St. Patrick Chapel in Hinsdale.

“In accepting these new duties, Father Chris will conclude 23 years of faithful ministry as the pastor of the Catholic communities in Dalton and Hinsdale. Please keep them in your prayers as they undergo this understandably difficult transition,” the bishop wrote.

Father Malatesta earned a bachelor of science degree in business from Fitchburg State in 1989. He attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton from 1989-1993. He was was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Springfield June 5, 1993 by then Bishop John A. Marshall.

He served on the Presbyteral Council, Clergy Commission and is currently serving on the College of Consultors. He also served as the dean of the Berkshire Deanery.

“After 23 years of parish ministry, I am honored and humbled to serve as vicar general and moderator of the curia for our diocese. I remain a parish priest at heart and I bring that experience with me as I assist in overseeing the operations of the diocese,” said Father Malatesta.

“While the transition is bittersweet, my commitment to the mission of the Church comes first. I was ordained to serve,” he continued. “I ask for prayers as I take on the important new responsibility.”

In addition to his new diocesan duties, effective July 1, Father Malatesta will assume the pastorate of St. Patrick Parish in Springfield while also continuing his oversight of Camp Holy Cross in Goshen.

Bishop Byrne expressed his gratitude to Father Piotr Calik, who has been serving as vicar general since 2021. Father Calik is also the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Indian Orchard.

“The ‘General,’ as I like to call Father Piotr, has been a tremendous blessing to me, always offering sage advice and a wise sounding board.  I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his service to our diocese. Father Piotr has agreed to stay on during a transition period, to assist Father Chris in assuming his new responsibilities,” the bishop stated.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.