GREENFIELD — The pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish has been named the next chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.

On Nov. 1, the Rev. Michael Pierz will assume some of the duties handled by the Rev. John Lessard, who requested that Bishop William Byrne appoint a successor. Pierz said the transition began on Sept. 15 and he started learning the chancellery’s responsibilities, including being the diocese’s chief notary and assisting Byrne in his service of the four counties of western Massachusetts.

“I support him in that work,” Pierz explained in an interview. “That was the bishop’s own decision. [Priests] don’t typically vie for different positions. I look forward to doing the job well.”

He said he will remain the pastor at Blessed Trinity and will celebrate Masses there. He also oversees a food pantry, a community meals program and the new Beacon of Light Preschool, which is located at the parish center on Federal Street behind the Blessed Sacrament Church building. Blessed Trinity also has an active youth group.

Pierz was made pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish when the former Blessed Sacrament and Holy Trinity parishes merged in 2022.

“With this appointment, and its incumbent responsibilities, I entrust myself all the more to each of you in our shared work for the proclamation of the Gospel and the good of the people of our parish and diocese,” Pierz, 40, said of his appointment to chancellor in a recent letter to his parishioners. “For two years, I have been enthused by our commitment together to establish an ever-stronger foundation of pastoral initiative, engaging outreach, formative faithfulness, excellent financial administration and structured organization. Now I need our good work to stand and grow all the more rootedly and robustly.”

Pierz studied at St. John’s Seminary in Boston for two years before heading to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where he studied theology and canon law. Before arriving in Greenfield, he presided over St. John the Evangelist Parish in Agawam.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.