DETROIT — Msgr. Thomas Michalski was “caught completely off guard” by the news of his being named a chaplain to His Holiness, one of the ranks of the prelacy that carries the title of monsignor.

The newly named monsignor, who is chancellor of the Orchard Lake Schools and rector of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, recounted that Aug. 21 phone call:

“It came on my cellphone, and the voice asked to speak to ‘Msgr. Michalski.’ I said, ‘This is Fr. Michalski.’ But the voice said again, ‘I want to speak to Msgr. Michalski.’ So, I said more firmly, ‘This is Fr. Michalski.’

“Then the caller said, ‘Tom, you don’t even recognize your own bishop’s voice. I’m calling to tell you the pope’s named you a monsignor,’” Msgr. Michalski continued about the phone call from Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Seminary rector since August 2011 and chancellor since January of this year, Msgr. Michalski, soon to be 54, is also an honorary canon of the Archdiocese of Lublin, Poland.

Before coming to Orchard Lake, he was pastor of St. Josaphat Parish in Bayside, N.Y., and vice officialis of the Brooklyn Diocese’s tribunal.
Asked how his new title would change his life, Msgr. Michalski replied, “It doesn’t; I just go on, continuing to serve the Church as I did before.”