Father Schuster new SJNCCS pastor; Reed still not reassigned
The Diocese of Knoxville has a new pastor ready to lead St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School — with previous leadership experience at SJNCCS — effective in nine days.
“Bishop Mark Beckman has appointed Father Mark Schuster pastor of St. John Neumann Parish effective April 4, 2025,” stated a release from John Mecklenborg, director of Communications for the DOK Office of Communications.
“Father Schuster was ordained a priest June 8, 2019,” the release further stated. “He served as associate pastor at St. John Neumann starting July 1, 2019.
“Most recently, he has served as parochial administrator at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville since July 1, 2021 and becoming pastor (there) effective June 1, 2022.”
As for the reassignment of Father Joseph Reed, former SJNCCS pastor, “We don’t have an update on that; that’s still being determined,” Mecklenborg said in a phone interview Monday, March 24.
Reed was placed on administrative leave in December but has since been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing by law enforcement investigations, including Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
