On June 2, 2015, Bishop David Choby announced that Father Theophilus (Theo) Ebulueme would become the next pastor of Holy Name Catholic Church, beginning on August 1st. Father is a priest of the Nnewi diocese in Nigeria and was ordained on July 22, 1995. Father Theo served under the Onitsha Archdiocese before the Nnewi diocese was created in 2002. He volunteered to go to Cameroon as a Fidei Donum Priest in the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon. After three years, he returned to his home diocese where he served as pastor at St. Mary’s Parish Orifite. In 2003, he came to the United States to study Theology at the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.

Upon completion of his studies and in agreement with his Bishop, Most Rev. Hilary Okeke, he came to the Diocese of Nashville and took up assignment as a medical facilities chaplain under Most Rev. Edward Kmiec (former bishop of Buffalo diocese – now retired), residing here at Holy Name. Father also assisted with masses here at the church. Having served for five years as a chaplain, Most Rev. David R. Choby assigned him to Immaculate Conception in Clarksville as an associate pastor on August 1, 2009. As a chaplain and associate pastor, Fr. Theo completed his M.A. and Ph.D in counseling psychology at Argosy and Trevecca Nazarene Universities respectively.

Father Theo says he enjoys his ministry and work with counseling, and continues to offer his services to his parishioners and beyond. Bishop J. Mark Spalding appointed Fr. Theo to his second, 6 year tenure, as pastor, in May of 2021.  Every day Father continues to look forward to collaboration with the parishioners of Holy Name!