RUMFORD – A new priest, whose most recent parish is in Sabattus, will begin serving the River Valley Catholic community on July 1. He replaces the Rev. Alfred Jacques.

The Rev. Angelo Levasseur, 53, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Sabattus and St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Richmond, will be the pastor of St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church in Rumford, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Mexico, and St. Joseph’s Mission in Dixfield.

Sue Bernard, spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, said Levasseur has served the Sabattus and Richmond churches since 2000.

He is a native of Grand Isle in Aroostook County.

He was pastor of St. Luce Catholic Church in Upper Frenchville from 1991 to 2000, was chaplain at Bates and Bowdoin colleges from 1986 to 1991, and associate pastor at St. Andre’s Catholic Church in Biddeford from 1983 to 1986.

Jacques will celebrate his last service as pastor in the area on Sunday, June 27.

Originally from Skowhegan, Jacques has been in the priesthood for 44 years, including the last nine in the River Valley community.