MASSACHUSETTS
Berkshire Eagle

By Clarence Fanto
cfanto@yahoo.com
@BE_cfanto on Twitter

LENOX — The Springfield Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church has appointed Monsignor John Bonzagni as the new priest in charge of three area churches, effective immediately.

Bonzagni, 60, succeeds the Rev. Christopher “Father CJ” Waitekus, pastor at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox, St. Vincent de Paul in Lenox Dale and St. Patrick’s in West Stockbridge. His appointment was announced to parishioners at Masses this past weekend. St. Ann’s members include about 820 families, with another 100 at the Lenox Dale church.

Waitekus was named pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Longmeadow last month after 14 years of service in Lenox. Last July, he had been named co-vicar of the Springfield Diocese, assisting Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski.

“Father CJ,” as he was known, celebrated his final Masses at the three parishes on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Bonzagni…