Metro area – In honor of Priesthood Sunday, which was Oct. 31, The Michigan Catholic asked its readers to share their stories about how priests have blessed their lives and drawn them closer to Christ.
What follows is only a selection of the responses we received:
We, as a family newly associated with St. Pius X Parish, whish to thank Fr. Robert McCabe for his service and dedication to his Parish and school.
As life time residents of the AOD we have had many associations with countless members of the clergy in our parish and school affiliations and there have been many we’ve admired; but Fr. Bob is unique. He is a shepherd who gives freely of his time, talent and love of our Lord Jesus Christ as he cares for his beloved flock.
He celebrates a devout Mass, delivers a thought-provoking and often humorous homily, is very visible in and around the Parish, attends the athletic events of his students and is friendly and gracious to all he encounters on his rounds. He truly embodies the teaching of our Lord in his everyday encounters, brightens the life of all he meets, and is loved and respected by one and all.
Fr. Bob helped us adjust and accept the closing of our parish school once the grandchildren were enrolled into his beautiful parish community. His reception has helped our family make the adjustment to a new school and parish environment a truly Christian experience.
May God bless him with good health, give him the graces needed to continue serving his faithful parishioners and school families as he shares his faith with a grateful community at St. Pius X parish.
— Patricia M. Truskowski; Mr. and Mrs. John Truskowski; and Ryan, Amy, Callie and Erin Truskowski of Wyandotte
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Fr. Carlson A. Robideau passed away on August 11, 1978. Cardinal Mooney appointed him the founding pastor of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish in Taylor. I remember him standing in an open field a short distance from the farm house that would become his rectory. As he turned over that first spadeful of dirt he told his parishioners, “It is here that we will build our church” and he meant this both spiritually and literally.
I remember seeing Fr. Robideau in the rectory in his cassock and collar, counseling those in need; in church in his priestly vestments celebrating Mass; and often in a t-shirt and overalls holding a paint brush or hammer, on his knees laying a cement sidewalk or a tile floor, mowing the lawn during the summer and cleaning the winter snow on the parking lot.
I saw him each morning before 6:30 Mass saying the rosary and on his deck was his daily prayer called “The Divine Office” — and one could tell this book was well used by its tattered appearance.
Fr. Robideau has blessed my live by being a living example of his calling to build the kingdom of God, both spiritually and materially.
He must have been very special to me for as the years pass they have not diminished my found memories of the very special priest.
— Deacon Bill Thome of Allen Park
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Let us sing the praises of a truly wonderful man, a marvelous priest; an angel on earth. We have known Fr. Rich as an assistant, a pastor and a chaplain and every assignment was filled with love and care.
He is in the Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer and Cortisone in our lives, who has healed our hearts and minds and aches and pain through problems, illness, surgery and death.
He does all this with compassion, love and laughter. He is the wonderful Fr. Richard Bartoczek.
— Nick and Jean Michels of Eastpointe
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God is with Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny all the way. As they say with God, all things are possible. There are no limits and he certainly has achieved his goal as shepherd of his flock. God’s loving care does guide him every minute and everyday of his life he does believe as a priest “this is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
Msgr. Halfpenny treats all of his parishioners as a large loving family. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7: 12).
My mother was in St. John’s hospital in March of 2008. In an emergency, my darling daughter said to call your church so Nonna could have the blessing of the sick. She was 92 and they were going to put her in hospice. My daughter dialed up the church and Msgr. Halfpenny answered the phone (at 9:15 on a Monday night). We told him what was happening. His first questions was “When do you want me there?” We said it is 9:15 p.m., quite late. He said, “I’ll be right over” and he was. What a gentle, humble shepherd of God.
Mother joined the Lord on Thursday of that week. Later, at the funeral home the first visitor was Msgr. Halfpenny, and the second was his assistant, the other fabulous shepherd of the flock, Fr. John Wynnycky. Now tell me if that isn’t true dedication and the milk of human kindness.
Msgr. Halfpenny, along with his fellow administers at St. Paul’s, are on their life’s journey of faith for everyone.
— Joan Retford of St. Paul on the Lake Parish
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“Be still and know…” (Psalm 46:10).
Fr. Ronald Milligan, has helped us understand the meaning of this passage as well as offering other insights into Scripture as he has broken open the Word of God over the years. As a gifted homilist and liturgist, he has helped our family and community realize the message is clear and simple: the connection to the life of Jesus we celebrate in Mass each week is the same Jesus that we meet in our daily lives.
Fr. Ron emphasizes time and time again that, as we come to the table of the Eucharist, they mystery in our hands, what we eat and drink, becomes a part of each of us. Eucharist is the nourishment that allows us to recognize this same Jesus in the people we meet and interact with daily. He challenges us to put into action the gift we receive each week as we come to the table of the Lord.
Fr. Ron has been a priest, teacher, mentor, confidant, and friend to many. He leads us in Sunday worship and walks with us as we carry the cross of Christ back out into our world each week after Sunday Mass.
It is especially helpful to have a pastor who recognizes our human condition and can seize God’s word and apply it meaningfully into our daily lives, offering suggestions as to how we might become better stewards for God’s will. He blesses our life by sharing his God given gifts and talents.
— Kimberlie Renshaw of Roseville
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I met Fr. Larry Zurawski, pastor of St. Damian Parish in Westland after falling away from my faith for years and at one of the lowest points of my life. After attending my first Mass at St. Damian, I was greeted warmly with a smile and was instantly aware of his gentle manor and quiet strength. Leaving Mass that day I felt a sense of belonging and peace that I had truly met a Holy man and felt blessed. I became very active in the church and found that Fr. Larry has a quick wit and sense of humor. I Look forward to every Sunday with anticipation and attend first Friday Mass when I am able. That first Mass was four years ago, and I still feel that same peace and comfort when at the end of father’s homily he says, “May God Bless You.”
— Susan Wiska of Westland
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Fr. Janusz Marzynski means a lot to me.
He is above all a priest for the people. I have seen Fr. Janusz embrace everyone with the love of Jesus.
Father spends endless hours in the confessional, never looking at the clock. He is always concerned for the soul. Suffering, humble and obedient but, also full of contagious joy!
Whether Fr. Janusz has been in a hospital setting, at a parish or at the Divine Mercy Center, his mission to reveal God’s love and mercy comes through.
What a blessing and treasure. God is so good.
— Celeste Coyro of Harper Woods
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The city of Detroit is blessed with many dedicated priests. We at Sacred Heart of Jesus arbitrarily have the number one, Fr. Norman P. Thomas.
— Emma J. McKinney-Davis of Detroit
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My Pastor and family friend is Fr. Norman Paul Thomas of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Detroit.
Fr. Thomas to me is a true leader, never too busy to visit and comfort the sick, and always remembers his parishioners and acquaintances by name.
— Joseph Davis
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I am writing about my pastor, Fr. Norman Paul Thomas. At 80 years old, Fr. Norm not only pastors the largest African-American Community in the state at Sacred Heart Church in Detroit, but he is also the Pastor and very proud of St. Elizabeth Church in Detroit.
Fr. Norm is a wonderful homilist, a great liturgist and a genuinely great human being. His philosophy is that there is a place for everyone at the banquet table and he lives that every day. He is comfortable with the famous as with ordinary folk and, especially, those folks that most of us pass everyday without noticing or trying not to notice.
I am not alone in my belief that he is the best pastor a person could have.
— Sr. Cathey DeSantis of Sacred Heart Parish, Detroit
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How much of a blessing it is and was for me to have Fr. Ronald S. Richards for a priest.
I feel that where ever he goes, Fr. Ron carries an awesome attitude of Christ’s qualities and that of one of the kindest people I know.
At a time when our parish was in a big turmoil, I feel that Fr. Ron brought a lot of enthusiasm back to St. Dunstan’s when it need it most. He had a very good attitude towards his new parishioners with lots of new ideas and programs for the church.
At a time when I was feeling depressed and sad, this man actually took the time to talk with me and make me feel a whole lot better just with his discussion and kind words.
In a world filled with attitude and selfishness, Fr. Ron is one of the very few who always puts others needs and feeling and emotions ahead of his own.
He brought a lot of smiles and happy thoughts to St. Dunstan’s while he was our pastor. I will never forget him.
I truly hope the future at Fr. Ron’s new parish will bring him joy and happiness like he deserves.
Fr. Ron deserves high praise always and will always be remembered for his kindness. Always.
— John Sanregret of Garden City
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Fr. Leo Sabourin is our priest at St. Constance.
When I re-joined the church, after many years away, he gave me the inspiration that I needed to come back. And I know many in our parish who have had this same experience.
He is a real man of God. One who listens, consoles, helps in every way; each and every day; 24 hours a day, he is at beck and call to his flock.
He has been many places in the world on missionary work, and he shares all of this in his own inimitable (way) with us in homily and in meetings.
He is humble and kind and he never puts himself above anyone.
He doesn’t want us to bring attention to him for any reason (birthdays, ordination anniversary, etc.).
I can’t think of any other priest — no offense to the others — that I can relate to on any level.
He deserves praise and thanks for all he has done in over 52 years of service to the Lord.
We pray for his good health and strength to carry on the work the Lord has given him.
— Jerry and Barbara Malone of Taylor
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June 30, 2003 was the worst day of my life. It was the day my son died. I had to notify his mother, who had divorced me about six years before. I then had to deal with a new pastor, a Fr. Frederick Misiolek, on his first official day to make funeral arrangements. Because of the compassion Fr. Misiolek and his staff showed my family during this experience, he soon became “Fr. Fred,” and a friend.
Over the close-to-60 years I have attended St. Charles, I have personally witnessed the pastors of St. Charles and of neighboring parishes giving comfort at difficult times. Fr. Bill Tindall, as then pastor of St. Charles, gave comfort to my aunts and cousins during their respective hard times, burying my uncle and cousin. As a fireman I witnessed Fr. Jack Fabian administer the last rites to a fellow parishioner, and within the year bury the parishioner’s father. Going back to my school days, I remember then pastor, Fr. (John) Raymo attending my grandma Langton funeral after burying my uncle Joe (Langton) the January before. I remember how Fr. Bauer of St. Patrick’s in Carleton told my family how my insurance agent uncle had his premiums paid up and ready for his next life. These pastors of our churches have been comforting at trying times. I’m glad St. Charles and neighboring parishes have had comforting priest for five generations of my family at St. Charles.
— James Geiersmann of Carleton
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I met Fr. Lawrence Pettke when I joined St. Louis parish in Clinton Township. That was two years ago. I feel like I have known him for years.
I have met quite a few priests through the years — I had three children in Catholic school for 12 years each. Nine years at St. Basil, St. Jude for 15 years and St. Hubert for 21. After St. Jude my sons went to Notre Dame and my daughter Dominican.
I remember Fr. O’Leary from St. Jude, kind man, and Fr. O’Callaghan, rest his soul. He was dear. My youngest son remembers him. He also remembers Fr. Pettke when he was “Deacon Larry” at St. Jude.
Fr. Larry must have been born to be a priest. He makes you want to come to Mass, and when you give you want to give with an open heart.
My husband died in 1986 so I moved from Harper Woods to Harrison Township, to St. Hubert parish. I saw Fr. O’Leary again and I was happy. A few years ago things changed, so I joined St. Louis in Clinton Township. Best move I ever made.
Fr. Pettke loves his people and they love him — it is very obvious. What a dear man. I’ll be at St. Louis as long as Fr.Larry is there. I’m 79 years old, so this is probably my last stop.
Fr. Larry is such a kind, humble man. St. Louis is blessed to have him.
— Vergean M. Giangrande of Harrison Township
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I know a great priest. His name is Fr. Joseph Esper. He is pastor of St. Edward in Lakeport. His homilies are great, very informative and very interesting. It is worth going to Mass on Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning just to hear his wonderful homilies.
Fr. Joe is a good role model for our students in St Edward’s school. He visits the school regularly.
Every summer, Fr. Joe has religion classes for his parishioners. They are always well attended. I have learned so much more about my Catholic faith attending these classes. Fr. Joe has written many books which I have purchased and read.
We the parishioners of St. Edward are very fortunate to have Fr. Joe as our pastor. He is always there for us. Hopefully we will have Fr. Joe for many, many more years.
— Barbara McGraw of St. Edward on the Lake Church
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I have known Msgr. Edward J. Baldwin for 55 years. He was assigned to St. Mary of Redford as assistant pastor when I was in high school. He made a strong and lasting impression on all who knew him. We were blessed to have him in our lives.He is a true moral and spiritual leader.
Fr. Baldwin was assigned to many parishes through the years and was on the faculty at Sacred Heart Seminary. Needless to say he was extremely busy. He made new friends with the new responsibilities. He was never too busy for old friends.
He was always there to celebrate a family wedding, the baptism of a child and to help us through the loss of a dear one…Forever gracious and giving. I know he is invited to and attends the big class reunions of so many of the former students. He remembers the names of all his past students!
I graduated in 1961. Ten years ago three of my classmates and I began a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital of Michigan. It is an annual event. We asked Fr. Baldwin if he would be our guest and offer the blessing for the evening… This year he drove all the way from meetings in Grand Rapids to attend our Dinner. He has a kind heart.
Too many stories. We lost our brother 3 years ago, suddenly. Joe was from St. Thomas More and Fr. Belczak was celebrating the Mass. Fr. Baldwin asked if he could just be present on the altar. He made us feel so special to honor our brother and family with this gesture.
Msgr. Baldwin is truly an example of God in our lives.
— July Griffin of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Farmington
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What a blessing Msgr. Edward Baldwin has been in my life.
Most of us who have been acquainted since our high school days at St. Mary of Redford with Msgr. Baldwin could write chapters, if not books, about what a blessing he has been to us. He has been there for us in happy times and at sad moments. He has performed the Sacrament of Marriage as we started new phases in our lives and has been there to offer the Sacrament of the Dying as we buried parents, siblings, children and spouses. He has baptized children and grandchildren. At all of these occasions he was there as a friend but more importantly as a Catholic priest and a representative of the Church.
He followed his rules and prayed we would follow ours. By example, he reminded us of our roots and our upbringings. He has made me proud to call myself a “Catholic”. He has been my stronghold to Catholicism through the years. Msgr. Baldwin has been non-judgmental and understanding. He is kind, patient and serene. He has inspired by example. I have watched him age – but I have not witnessed any changes in his faith. He is the same enthusiastic and motivating priest he was when I first knew him.
Msgr. Baldwin is everything a Catholic Priest should be. God bless Msgr. Baldwin.
— Cathleen Hasse of Orchard Lake
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I would like to recognize a very wonderful priest from out of state for Priesthood Sunday.
I met Fr. Gregory Wilson when he was pastor at Our Lady Star of the Sea in North Myrtle Beach, SC. I learned, while there, that he was not only a great priest but a convert. After about five years at Our Lady Star of the Sea, he was transferred to Charleston, S.C. to be rector of St John the Baptist Cathedral and administrator of St. Mary’s Parish, serving as chaplain for their school and a few minor duties. He has enough to keep two priests busy.
He is a wonderful man. Any mother would be happy to claim for her own, including me. But being a convert and being ordained is super great.
— Patricia A Donnelly of Livonia
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Years ago, when our son Tim was preparing for his First Penance, we parents also attended an instructional meeting. It was during the early part of the 1980’s, and people were still trying to adjust to the changes of Vatican II. Some of the changes were easier for me than others. A confessional complete with covered screen was the only place I ever dared to divulge my sins.
Fr. Mike Smith, then associate pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Barberton, Ohio, changed my outlook on the sacrament of Penance with one flourishing statement. He said that going to confession behind a screen was likened to entering a dark room to visit your best friend.
That statement hit me like a ton of bricks. Imagine that! Jesus was my bestest friend, and I was leaving Him in the dark while discussing my faults and failures (and seeking forgiveness).
This was deplorable treatment for humans, and God definitely deserved much better. I immediately began using the face-to-face method for Penance and found it much to my liking. It is more natural to talk to the priest when sitting opposite him, and positive feedback is often enhanced in this manner. I may have retreated behind the screen once since that memorable day, but it could only have been when face-to-Face was unavailable.
Thank you, Fr. Mike, wherever you are.
— Mike Butkiewicz of St. Lawrence Parish in Utica
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We would like to mention Fr. Manny Chircop, CSB,who helps serve Mass on weekends at St. Dunstan Church in Garden City.
Fr. Manny is such a caring and friendly priest. He makes going to mass a more meaningful and joyous experience. His homilies are filled with good stories and up to day information. He adds some of his own personal experiences to bring across what being a Catholic is all about.
He gives of himself for the parishioners by driving in every weekend from his other church in Milford.
We truly appreciate attending mass when Fr. Manny is the priest.
Even though we live in Taylor, we drive to Garden City every Saturday for mass because of the new Pastor, Fr. Don LaCuesta, and especially Father Manny, who has been with us through all we have experienced over the past few years at St. Dunstan’s.
— Larry and Nancy Sabados of Taylor
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It is always wonderful to read about a priest who touched our lives in a special way, one who has been a positive influence on our spiritual journey.
I met my special priest about four years ago on a visit to the Blessed Sacrament Monastery in Farmington Hills. During my visit I met Fr. David Santoro, a Dominican, who has just been assigned as the monastery’s chaplain.
During the last four years I have attended daily mass at the monastery, to share in the Mass with a holy man. Fr. Dave not only presents a rock-solid homily, but leads the Mass each day full of love for his Lord. Through his preaching he inspired me to a much deeper spiritual journey and to become a Lay Dominican to further my walk with Christ.
Fr. Dave has become well known for his frequent inter-parish Bible studies. He is, without a doubt, a Bible scholar that makes you thirst for the Word.
Fr. David Santoro is a priest for all, and I thank the Lord for bringing him into my life.
— Dave McDonald, OP, of Farmington Hills
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Fr. Theodore Parker of St Cecilia Church has been a blessing in my life and others. He is a kind, gentle and understanding person. He is very easy to talk to, which gives you the courage to express yourself. He looks beyond the exterior of a person to the interior and finds the good within.
Fr. Parker is also a good teacher. He once wrote in the church bulletin (The Beacon), regarding a building not far from our church. On the outside of that building, it looked nice and beautiful, but on the inside it was riddled with bullets and was used for a shooting range. The message was: You can’t judge people or things from the outside, but must look inside.
Fr. Parker has truly been a blessing to me. By listening to him with a peaceful spirit, a new me has emerged! I no longer dwell on negative thoughts or feelings. I now have an overwhelming sense of love, peace, and happiness, which has been dormant in my life for years. He has this effect on all of his parishioners.
Thank you, Fr. Theodore Parker, for being a Blessing in my life!
— Mary D Lewis, parishioner of St. Cecilia Parish in Detroit
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I have known Msgr. Robert McClory (Msgr. Bob to me!) for approximately 25 years. We met through the Love of God prayer community at Shrine of the Little Flower parish. Msgr. Bob was my friend long before he became a priest. He is a great friend, always willing to lend an ear and willing to share his heart with my husband Steve and me.
In the busyness of his life as a priest, Msgr. Bob has always made himself available to a group of our friends and has been the chaplain of our married couple group for the past 10 years. His wisdom, insight and knowledge of the faith have been such a blessing to all of us. He has performed the sacrament of baptism for one of our children, blessed our new home, celebrated Mass with us on vacation, and shared many countless of hours with us!
Not only do I admire him as a priest, I admire how he loves and desires to spend time with his parents, siblings and nieces and nephews. He loves sports games and is often found at a friend’s or family member’s child’s games.
Msgr. Bob is a gift to so many people. He has been a super friend to me throughout the years, a wonderful friend to my husband and great role model of love, patience and holiness for our children. Thank you, Msgr. Bob, for answering “the call.”
— Julie Whitmore of Royal Oak
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Many people have the perception that all priests have to do is to write a homily and say Mass on Sundays, but their profession involves so much more than that. They say daily Mass, weekend Masses , attend meetings, answer phone calls, hear confessions, counsel and instruct people, preside at weddings, funerals, baptisms and give Sacrament of the Sick at various times of the day and night. Unfortunately, not many take the time to thank or uplift their priests.
Our pastor, Fr. Bede Louzon OFM, Cap. is truly a servant of God. He is a man with a passion for souls and goes beyond the call of duty daily. He makes our Parish Family think about the lessons from his homily and reaches people on a very personal level that bring them closer to God.
Fr. Bede is truly a servant of God. Our parish family thanks you, Fr. Bede, for being a true Shepherd of God and being committed to your profession.
— Diana Rastelli on behalf of the St. Mary Magdalen Parish Family, Hazel Park
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When I think of all the attributes a priest would need — spiritually, pastorally, and personally — to truly love and serve the Lord and His diverse flock, Fr. Clint McDonell comes to the top of the list. As a new priest assigned to Divine Child several years ago, he has filled many roles, to the brim and overflowing. I first came to know him during my father’s long illness and death. Fr. McDonell involved himself with consistency, compassion, peace, and joy. He ministered the sacraments to us and, as a gift to my parents on their 62nd wedding anniversary, he celebrated the Holy Mass in my father’s room. What an eternal gift! A month later, he was lovingly taking care of our family’s needs for my father’s funeral.
I know that many others can attest to Father’s personal and devoted attention. But there is more. Although I live in North Carolina now, I’ve had enough contact with my “home” parish of Divine Child to be blessed by his many talents and virtues. His mind is that of a brilliant theologian; yet he teaches and preaches with words that anyone can grasp. His singing is angelic and heart-lifting. His celebration of the Mass is profoundly reverent. His sense of responsibility to his ministry seems bottomless. His engagement with everyone is sincere, broad, and loving. His smile and laughter bring lightness and healing to the darkest situation.
Fr. McDonell wasn’t just born in time to be a priest; he was created in eternity to be.
— Suzanne Konopka of Asheville, NC
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Our pastor, Fr. Zbigniew Grankowski, is a man of the highest integrity with an immeasurable capacity for compassion towards the people of his parish. A true father figure, he always knows the best direction to
take, and when asked for advice in a difficult situation, has the courage to tell you the truth, even if it hurts to hear it.
There aren’t too many people in this day and age that will you tell what you need to hear!
Our pastors have an overwhelming responsibility in taking care of not only our spiritual needs in Masses, sacraments, and hospital and homebound visitations, but also the running of the church — buildings, the grounds, employees, etc. Everything falls on their (shoulders)!
We all need to pray and support our pastors and all priests!
— Heather Adams, parishioner of St. Barbara Parish in Dearborn
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I have known many priests over the years and they all loved and served God with their prayers and duties. Some stood out more than others by how they carried out their duties. Fr. Zbigniew Grankowski does all that daily and more.
Fr. Zbigniew loves the Lord, but he also loves and serves his fellow man. He has a very big heart, when it comes to caring about people. It is one thing to pray for the hungry, but to really help them; you need to give them something to eat. It has always been said that action speaks louder than words, and Father is a man of action. He not only preaches about love of others, but lives it every day of his life.
He is the pastor of two parishes, St. Barbara’s and St. Cunegunda’s. As you can imagine that this keeps him very busy, but he is never too busy for someone who has a problem or just needs to talk. During Sunday Mass, father invites all the children to come up to the altar, join hands and share in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. And at the end of the Mass he will address those individuals who are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or some other accomplishment. He wants the whole parish to join in celebrating the good news by singing and clapping for those involved. He wants everyone in the parish to feel that they are loved and are an intricate part of the family of God.
Fr. Zbigniew Grankowski is Christ’s representative on earth, and we all can see that Christ must be well pleased with Fr. Zbigniew’s representation.
— Tom Munie, parishioner of St. Barbara Parish in Dearborn
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I know a great Priest! Fr. Thomas H.Cusick.
My family and I have known Fr. Tom for over 30 years. He has been a blessing to all of us, through family deaths, sickness and faith guidance. Not just us, but to everyone he comes in contact with. He has a quiet and prayerful manner that just says Christ. He tries to view all people through Christ’s eyes. He is very prayerful and kind and you couldn’t find a better spiritual director if that was needed.
Speaking from my experience, he will go out of his way to see that all people especially in his parish life get the guidance they need in their faith to bring them along the journey towards God’s promises. He speaks and acts out a faith life in every way. He believes that we are all God’s Children and God doesn’t make junk. We might find a few stumbling blocks along the way, but God will take care of each of us to let us know we are loved and precious in his eyes.
— M.E. Almas
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Fr. Mike Cooney has been a blessing to my family and myself ever since he became the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Mt. Clemens. It was his down-to-earth, everyday living sermons that prompted me to share, quite enthusiastically, these talks with my parents. I also felt compelled to let them know how comfortable (to the point of humbling himself) he made you feel in the confessional. I had never experienced such compassion and understanding like that before. Both of my parents had been away from the Catholic Church for 40 years and within one year of Fr. Mike coming to St. Peter’s, they both became parishioners, attending Mass on a regular basis (and confession!).
Fr. Mike has touched the lives of everyone in my family whether they chose to be practicing Catholics or not. He is non-judgmental and opens his doors to anyone. He has always been there when needed. He has celebrated funerals, baptisms, weddings, communions and confirmations for my family. His sermons and humility have touched the lives of everyone in attendance. He is known, to all children, as the friendly and smiling priest who always gives “high fives” as he’s coming down the aisle. Fr. Mike not only “talks the talk” (most excellently!) he also “walks the walk” most excellently, as well.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Fr. Mike Cooney, for giving of your life so that others may see the Church as it was meant to be. You are the Light of Christ.
— Susan (Marschke) Reece
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Fr. David Lesniak is a man of prayer. He has been a blessing to me and my friends. He taught me how to pray, stay close to Jesus and the Eucharist. To help others in need. Fr. Lesnaik’s homilies are thought provoking. It’s a blessing to observe Fr. Lesnaik how compassionate and concerned he is to the aging and disabled. He is a very good example and leader to me and the young. Fr. Lesniak is one outstanding shepherd. I wish him well and pray he remains at St. Alphonsus Parish for a very long time.
— Nadia Fattchey of Dearborn Heights
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My wife, before she died, was school secretary at St. Joan of Arc for many years. During her tenure there, Msgr. Michael Bugarin was an associate pastor, and Fr. Duane Novelly was also there. After my wife retired, she was diagnosed with vascular dimensia and it was years that I took care of her here at home. She died April 27 of this year. Fr. Mike and Fr. Duane took such wonderful spiritual care of her. I don’t know how many times they came in the middle of the night.
— John Lederman of Harper Woods
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I am an almost eighty-eight year old lady, Catholic all my life, and a firm believer in obedience as well as understanding why de need obedience, and also in the need for faith to help it all make sense.
Until twelve years ago, I had never met a priest who saw me as an individual, only a member of the Parish. I have always served my Church in many capacities — altar society, catechist, lector (for about 32 years), parish council member, church duster, helper with various committees and mother of eight.
That said, Fr. Kenneth Chase was a revelation to me as he allowed me to prove the many areas of concern which arise as we consider the Church from the pews, through the eyes of a parent and as one who did not have a “Holy Family” sort of upbringing or marriage, and through a long widow hood. He let me ask questions, never chastised me for some of the more blunt ones, responded with probing questions of his own to which I was free to respond and learn.
Our conferences were wonderful, fulfilling times for me to clarify my thinking, learn what my deep beliefs were, but especially to have the acceptance for where I was and to direct me in my faith. And guide me he did while allowing me to move slowly toward a more mature faith.
What an experience! His kindness, his faith in my faith will never be forgotten!
— Rosemary D. Bergin of South Lyon
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Fr. Pat Casey is a magnetic priest who is in tune with his parishioners. Since his ordination in 1997, he has been assigned to various parishes throughout the Detroit area. His inner city assignment as pastor to both St. Patrick and St. Dominic parishes seemed a natural fit for him.
Today he is a valued pastor at St. Thomas a’Becket parish in Canton. His humor is both timely and magnetic and he is appreciated as a beloved friend to one and all. Someone was once quoted as saying that Fr. Pat is the wittiest priest in southeast Michigan. That, I believe to be true. His humor is contagious as is his deep devotion to the Church. His sincere and timely sermons, along with his weekly column in the parish papers, leave the congregation with much food for thought. He has served as chaplain to police and fire departments, making sure to bring God to the moment in all situations.
Fr. Pat is committed to “lead by example” and is good at this effort. We consider it an honor to be included in his long list of friends. He had been a blessing to our family in times of happiness and trials of illness. We are most grateful that our paths have crossed and that he remains a part of our lives.
— Ken and Linda Murray of Farmington
