Catholics who worship at St. Mark Parish in Eastman and Holy Redeemer Parish in McRae will now have to drive about 35 miles to celebrate mass and receive communion.
The Diocese of Savannah announced Father Daniel Oghenerukevwe resigned from the two parishes.
Oghenerukevwe, commonly known as "Father Dan," was appointed to the position in January 2015.
The release states that Father Dan resigned, in part, because of "internal conflicts and discord that has existed in the communities in recent years."
Barbara King, Public Relations Director for the Diocese of Savannah, says Father Dan is not in question by the diocese and the parishioners from St. Mark's and Holy Redeemer are asked to pray about the situation.
The release also states that because of the priest shortage, both parishes will not be staffed and the doors were all locked on all church buildings as of August 22.
The closest parishes to Dodge County are Dublin, Kathleen, Vidalia, Hazlehurst, Douglas, Fitzgerald and Cordele.
