SYRACUSE – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse has appointed Rev. Ralph A. Bove as administrator for St. Bartholomew’s and St. Paul’s churches in Norwich, effective in July.

Father Bove, who is currently the parochial vicar of St. James Church in Johnson City, will replace Father Douglas Cunningham.

Last month, Cunningham surprised the greater Norwich Catholic community upon announcing his decision to resign at the end of June. He has served in both parishes for most of his 14-year career here.

Bove has also served as a parochial vicar at Sacred Heart in Cicero. Prior to that, he belonged to the Scalabrini Order and served in parishes in New York City, Rhode Island and Canada. His first assignment as a Scalabrini was at St. Peter’s Church in Syracuse. He was ordained on May 27, 1978.

The Diocese made the announcement on May 8.