Father Mark Hammond, a priest in the diocese since 1989, has been named a monsignor by Pope Francis, Bishop Earl Fernandes announced this week.
Bishop Fernandes shared the news of the pontifical honor after the Chrism Mass celebrated at Westerville St. Paul the Apostle Church on Tuesday, April 15.
The monsignor designation is an honor from the Holy Father recognizing long and dedicated service to the Church and its people. The official ecclesiastical title is “chaplain of His Holiness.”
The Vatican limited the title in 2014 to priests who have reached the age of 65 and for those who hold certain major offices in the Roman Curia or as a vicar general or chancellor in dioceses. There were previously three grades of monsignor until the Vatican’s changes 11 years ago.
Hammond, 69, celebrated the 35th anniversary of his ordination last year. He serves as the pastor of the St. John the Baptist Parish that includes Mount Vernon St. Vincent de Paul and Danville St. Luke churches. He has been the pastor in Mount Vernon since 2006.
The Newark native’s additional duties in the diocese include promoter of justice; vicar forane for the Knox, Tuscarawas, Holmes and Coshocton Deanery; and service on the diocese’s College of Consultors. He has also served as the diocese’s episcopal vicar for spiritual life of priests and as member of the Tribunal and as diocesan liaison for health affairs.
His parish assignments have included pastor at Columbus St. Mary in the German Village area from 2000 to 2006 and associate pastor at Pickerington St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish from 1989 to 1995 and in residence at Columbus St. Andrew Church from 1995 to 2000.
Three priests have now been designated as monsignors since Bishop Fernandes arrived in the diocese in 2022. Msgr. Craig Eilerman, rector at Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, received the honorary title in 2024 and retired Msgr. James Walter was presented with the honor in 2023.
In the diocese, other active or retired priests who have received the monsignor designation include Msgrs. John Cody, John Dreese, William Dunn, Paul Enke, Anthony Frecker, Joseph Hendricks, John Johnson, Frank Lane, Anthony Missimi and Stephan Moloney.