SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Wilbraham resident Christine Peyman has been named the new assistant director of development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. 

 

Peyman, who began working with the diocese in 2023 as a member of the Beacon of Faith capital campaign team, will now take on expanding the diocese's goal to advance its mission through fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship.

 

She will continue to oversee the Beacon of Faith campaign, as well as partner with the Catholic Communications office staff to oversee the Annual Catholic Appeal, which distributes funds to 48 ministries and agencies.

 

Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, she attended the former Our Lady of Hope School in Springfield and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Westfield. She currently lives in Wilbraham with her husband, Jeff, and their daughter, Abby. The family attends St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham.

 

"When I was working with many parishes as a campaign director, I had the ability to learn more about how our parishes operate. My goal is to continue working with our parishes and maintain, as well as strengthen these relationships," Peyman said. "We are all the diocese. We are all Catholics and it is important to be committed to our faith and to follow Jesus' word."

 

The Very Rev. Christopher Malatesta, the new vicar general of the Diocese of Springfield, will serve as

interim development director. He served as pastor of St. Agnes' Church in Dalton for 23 years before his recent assignment.