Father David appointed Vicar General

Bishop Michael G. Duca announced the appointment of Father Jamin David as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in a letter addressed to priests, deacons and the Catholic Life Center Community on Jan. 28. 

The bishop said the appointment was effective Dec. 20.

Father Tom Ranzino, who has served as Vicar General since 2015, will also continue to serve in his role, Bishop Duca announced. Father Ranzino also serves as pastor at St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge.

“Thus, for now, Baton Rouge has two Vicars General. It is my plan to use the gifts and talents of both Fathers David and Ranzino in service of our local church.  Both possess the full powers afforded to Vicars General by (Canon Law),” the bishop wrote.

“We are truly blessed in Baton Rouge not only by the service of these two men but also by the generosity of all of our priests and deacons who constantly serve as messengers of hope in our community,” he continued. “I thank (Father) Ranzino, (Father) David and all our clergy for their help and tremendous efforts.”

Father David, pastor at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany, has been serving as Episcopal Vicar for Strategic Planning since August 2020 and in his new role will continue to implement these initiatives, the bishop said. Bishop Duca said Father David will coordinate the exercise of administrative duties and provide oversight of various offices at the Catholic Life Center. Father David will also handle all day-to-day issues that arrive at the chancery with the cooperation of the rest of the diocesan leadership team.  

VICARS GENERALS OF THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE

Msgr. Patrick Gillespie 1961-1982

Msgr. Cage Gordon 1980-1984

Father John Carville 1984-2007

Father Than Vu 2007-2015

Father Tom Ranzino 2015-present

Father Jamin David 2021-present

Additionally, Father David serves as vice-president of the civil, diocesan and parochial corporations for which the bishop is responsible, Bishop Duca said in his letter.

“I’m humbled by Bishop Duca’s faith in me to serve him and our local church in this way,” Father David said. “The bishop is the face of the diocese, appointed to lead and guide the flock entrusted to him; I look forward to working ‘behind the scenes’ to assist in furthering his vision, goals and initiatives, all to preach the good news to the people of Baton Rouge.”  

Father David, who was ordained by Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench on May 31, 2008 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, said perhaps the greatest gift of the appointment is the chance to become more involved  in the fullness of ecclesial life throughout the diocese, both in the central administrative offices and on the parochial level.  He noted that St. Paul identifies administration as a gift and perhaps this gift that God has blessed him with is meant to be shared for the benefit of the church.  

“I suppose the Spirit is inviting me not to hide this lamp under a bushel basket,” he said. 

Father David said his knack for administration was identified in him by various priests and friends, including mentor like Father Joel LaBauve, who noticed those gifts early in his priesthood. 

Father David also credited former Vicar General Father Than Vu, who is deceased, and Judicial Vicar Father Paul Counce to help him “understand more fully the joys and struggles of working in central administration.”

“Nowadays, to have a co-collaborator in Father Ranzino is a wonderful blessing since he helps me understand how and why God is calling me to serve the church in this way,” Father David said. 

Father David has previously served in parochial vicar roles at St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge, St. Philomena Church in Labadieville, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Plattenville and St. Anne Church in Napoleonville.

He was appointed pastor at St. Margaret on July 2, 2012. Father David also serves as chaplain for the Louisiana Ladies Auxiliary Association and the Knights of Columbus Louisiana State Council.