Parish Friars
Father Manuel Viera, O.F.M, J.C.L
Pastor I was born in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. At the age of 13 my family migrated to the United States and settled in Miami, Florida. In 1973 I began my studies with the Franciscan Friars in Detroit, Michigan, obtaining a BA in 1977. In May of 1978, I made my first vows with the Franciscan friars, and in July 1981 professed Solemn Vows. Ordained a deacon in July 1981 and in June of 1982 to the priesthood. In 1987, I received a licentiate decree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America. Since ordination I have had many different assignments in Roswell, New Mexico; Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua; Washington, D.C.; Albuquerque, New Mexico, Peña Blanca, New Mexico; Cincinnati, Ohio; Tucson, Arizona. A good portion of my ministry has been in the Tribunals of the Catholic Church. In October of 2023, I was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Contact: 919-682-3449, ext. 290/email |
Fr. Hugh Macsherry, O.F.M.
Parochial Vicar Fr. Hugh joined the friars in 2002, he made his first profession in 2004, and was ordained in 2009. He grew as the seventh of eight children from Baltimore, MD. In his home parish, he sang in the choir and participated in the Boy Scouts. Fr. Hugh graduated from the University of Maryland and taught middle school Spanish for a year before entering formation with the friars of Holy Name Province. As a friar, Fr. Hugh has served in Boston, MA and Camden, NJ, especially in Spanish-language ministry and with the Deaf. He is happy he is living, working, and praying with the faith community of Durham. Contact: 919-682-3449, ext. 258 / email |
Fr. Gonzalo Torres, O.F.M.
Parochial Vicar Father Gonzalo de Jesús Torres-Acosta, OFM was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. He earned a degree in petroleum engineering from Universidad de América in Bogotá, and a Master degree on Divinity from the Washington Theological Union in Washington D.C. He took Solemn Vows in 2006. After being ordained as a Catholic priest in 2008, Fr. Gonzalo served three years at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Manhattan. In 2011 he was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Anthony’s in Butler and St. Mary’s in Pompton Lakes, NJ. He also assisted in the Vocation Office for Holy Name Province. In 2017 Fr. Gonzalo was assigned as pastor of Saint Mary’s Church. He served in that position until September 2020, when he was assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, NC. Contact: 919-682-3449, ext. 259 / email |
Deacon
Parish Staff
Patrick Kurz
School Principal |
Tucker Owen
Accountant Ext. 280 |
Bobby Denne
Director of Youth Ministry Ext. 250 |
Carlos Nouel
Maintenance Technician Ext. 261 |
James Maxson
Pastoral Associate for Music and Liturgy. Ext. 263 / Email |
Contact Us
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Parish Office (mailing) 901-A W Chapel Hill Street Durham, NC 27701 tel: 919-682-3449 Emergency: 919-724-9056 [email protected] Immaculata Catholic School 721 Burch Avenue Durham, NC 27701 tel: 919-682-5847 email - website |