The Rev. Robert Fagan, new pastor of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, Tamaqua, spoke briefly at all Masses Saturday and Sunday at the church and was heartily welcomed by parishioners of the church.

He succeeds the Rev. Thomas J. King, who was transferred to Sacred Heart Parish, Miller Heights, Northampton County.

Father Fagan previously served churches in Schuylkill County, namely St. Vincent’s in Minersville, 1958-59; and Holy Family Church, New Philadelphia, 1969-72, during which time he was a part-time teacher at Marian Catholic High School, Hometown.

A native of Philadelphia, he was ordained May 15, 1958.