Diocese of Lansing

2009 Priest Appointments and Transfers

Bishop Earl Boyea announces the following priest appointments and transfers which took effect July 1, 2009 unless otherwise noted:

Reverend Steven Anderson – from Parochial Administrator of St. Mark the Evangelist, Goodrich to Parochial Administrator of Good Shepherd, Montrose. Fr. Anderson continues as Chaplain at Father Luke M. Powers Catholic High School, Flint.

Fr. Anderson received a BA in Biblical literature and a master of divinity degree from Oral Roberts University. He completed formation for priesthood at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit and was ordained by Bishop Mengeling in 2003. His first assignment for the Diocese of Lansing was as parochial vicar at Holy Family, Grand Blanc. Since October 2, 2007 he has been Chaplain of Father Luke M. Powers High School, Flint. He served as Parochial Administrator to St. Mark the Evangelist , Goodrich since the death of Sr. Joan May, SSJ, Pastoral Coordinator, January 16, 2009.

Reverend William Ashbaugh – from Pastor of St. Joseph , Howell to Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle , Ann Arbor.

Fr. Ashbaugh, born in Pennsylvania, received a BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Maryland and a MS degree in biochemistry from Michigan State University. He attended St. John Vianney Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota and received a Masters of Divinity degree from Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Fr. Ashbaugh served as parochial vicar at St. Pius X, Flint, and St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor, and pastor of St. Mary, Westphalia, and St. Joseph, Howell.

Reverend Charles Canoy - from Administrator of St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor to Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew the Apostle, Saline.

Father Canoy, a native of Columbia, MO, received a BS in Marketing from Indiana University and an M. Div. from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit. He was ordained June 11, 2005 and has served St. Thomas the Apostle since his ordination.

Rev. James Conlon, from Director of Bethany House (Spiritual Live Center for Youth), DeWitt to Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Westphalia.

Fr. Conlon, a native of Ireland and former attorney, completed priesthood studies at the University of St. Mary on the Lake / Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, IL and was ordained in 2002. He has visited and ministered in dioceses around the world, including Wollongong, Australia and Krakow, Poland. He studied theology with the Irish Jesuits in Dublin, and has been a Chaplain Resident at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He served as Parochial Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ann Arbor and Director of Bethany House (Spiritual Life Center for Youth), DeWitt.

Reverend George Daisy - from weekend assistance at Holy Redeemer, Burton to weekend assistance at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing.

Father Daisy received a BS in Psychology from MSU, an MA in Counseling from Oakland University, and an MA from Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary, Cincinnati. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing on June 14, 1997. Prior to serving Holy Redeemer he was Parochial Vicar at Holy Family, Grand Blanc.

Reverend Lewis Eberhart – from Pastor of St. Catherine Labouré, Concord to Special Pastoral Ministry, effective August 1, 2009.

Fr. Eberhart graduated from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI and Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, WI. He is a retired Chief Petty Officer in the United Sates Navy. Fr. Eberhart was ordained a priest on June 12, 2004. He has served as Parochial Vicar to St. Joseph Parish, Howell, Parochial Administrator and Pastor of St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Concord.

Reverend Louis Thomas Ekka - from full time Parochial Vicar of St. Robert, Flushing to shared duties as Parochial Vicar between St. Robert, Flushing and St. Mary Queen of the Angels, Swartz Creek.

Father Ekka, of Gumla, India served as Parochial Vicar of Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson from 2002 to 2004 and at St. Robert Parish, Flushing since 2004.

Reverend Edmond Ertzbischoff – from Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Ypsilanti (to merge with Transfiguration) to Pastor of St. Joseph, Ypsilanti.

Fr. Ertzbischoff, born in Highland Park, was ordained in 1976 after studies at Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit and St. John Seminary, Plymouth. He served as a parochial vicar at St. Gerard, Lansing and St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor. He was pastor of St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn and served at St. John the Baptist, Ypsilanti since June, 1988.

Reverend Mark Inglot - from Pastor of St. John Student Parish, East Lansing to Pastor of the merged parishes of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and St. John Student Center, East Lansing.

Father Inglot, a native of Flint, MI, was ordained in 1981. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, the University of Detroit and St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. He has been pastor of Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson and served as Director of Priestly Life & Ministry and Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Lansing.

Reverend Joseph Krupp – from Chaplain of Lansing Catholic Central High School to Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing and Chaplain of St. John Student Center, East Lansing.

Fr. Krupp is a native of Flint and received a BA in History from the University of Michigan, Flint and a Master of Divinity from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit. He has served as parochial vicar at St. Gerard , Lansing, and has been chaplain at Lansing Catholic Central High School while assisting with weekend ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas , East Lansing, since June, 2000.

Reverend Michael Kuchar – from Parochial Vicar (associate pastor) of Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson, to Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist, Goodrich.

Fr. Kuchar born in Owosso, was ordained following studies at Michigan State University, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, University of Detroit and St. John Provincial Seminary. He has served as parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist , Ypsilanti, Holy Family , Grand Blanc, Holy Redeemer , Burton, St. John the Evangelist , Jackson, and St. John Student Parish, East Lansing. He has also served as chaplain of Southern Michigan Prison, Jackson. He has been pastor of St. Peter , Blissfield and St. Therese , Lansing.

Reverend Nonatus Lakra - from Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing to Parochial Vicar of St. Paul, Owosso.

Father Lakra, of the Diocese of Purnea, in Bihar, India, was ordained in 1991. He has served as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Cathedral since August, 2006.

Reverend John (Jack) Loughran, OSFS - appointed Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Blissfield and contines as Pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish, Deerfield.

Fr. Loughran was raised in Youngstown, NY and professed vows as an Oblate of St. Francis deSales in 1970. He earned a BA in English Education from Niagara University and an MDiv from the Toronto University of Theology. He was ordained a priest in 1980. He has served as Assistant Provincial and a member of the Provincial Council of the Oblates. Fr. Loughran has served as Pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish since September, 2000.

Reverend Timothy MacDonald - to part-time Chaplain of Father Luke M. Powers High School, Flint. He continues as Pastor of Holy Redeemer, Burton.

Father MacDonald, a native of Flint, is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas / St. John Vianney Seminary, St. Paul, MN, the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained in 2000 and has served as Parochial Vicar of St. Gerard, Lansing and Pastor of Most Holy Trinity, Fowler.

Reverend Steven Makranyi – from Sacramental Ministry at St. John Vianney Parish, Flint to Senior Priest Status.

Fr. Makranyi, a native of Flint, MI, received his college education at Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, and his theological training at St. John’s Seminary, Plymouth. He has served as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Owosso and St. Agnes Parish, Flint. He has been Chaplain at Luke M. Powers High School, Flint as well as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Williamston and St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing and Pastoral Administrator of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler.

Reverend Steven Mattson – appointed chair of the diocesan Department of Education and Catechesis and Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Continues as Pastor of St. Mary, Swartz Creek.

Fr. Mattson was ordained in 2005 and served as associate pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing until he was named Pastor of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Swartz Creek in Ferbruary, 2008. Before studying for the priesthood, Fr. Mattson pursued a graduate degree in Curriculum, instruction, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University. While in seminary, he completed his dissertation, "Changing Metaphors: Instructional Reform as Evangelism," and was awarded a Ph.D. in Education in 2003. Before entering the seminary, Fr. Mattson served as principal of Grattan Academy, a K-8 charter school in West Michigan, and he taught at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. In addition to his Ph.D., he holds a B.A. in Mathematics from MSU, and an STB and M.Div. from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/ Mundelein Seminary in Illinois.

Reverend Gary McInnis - from Sacramental Minister of Good Shepherd, Montrose, to weekend assistance at Holy Redeemer, Burton.

Father McInnis was ordained in 1974. He has served as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul, Owosso, and Holy Redeemer, Burton. He served in ministry at Genesys Hospital and Hospice, Genesee County Jail, and the Hartland Convalescent Center.

Reverend Randy Miller appointed parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Jackson, continuing as parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson.

Fr. Miller was ordained in 1989. He has been a Parochial Vicar of Holy Rosary, Flint; St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing; St. Gerard, Lansing and Holy Family, Grand Blanc. He has served as Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Blissfield; and Chaplain of the Regional Prison Ministry, Jackson.

Reverend Francis Mossholder – from Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, Blissfield to Pastor of St. Mary, Charlotte, and Parochial Administrator of St. Ann, Bellevue, effective September 8, 2009

Fr. Mossholder graduated from the University of Detroit and Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 1, 1988. He has been a Dean of Students and Teachers, the Formation Director of PIME Seminarians, a missionary in Japan and PIME Mission Office Director. Fr. Mossholder has served as Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Ypsilanti and St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Blissfield.

Reverend Monsignor Michael D. Murphy - resigns as Rector of St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing and retains appointment as diocesan Moderator of the Curia.

Msgr. Murphy was born in Monroe, Michigan. A graduate of St. Mary Cathedral High School, Lansing, he received a BA in Scholastic Philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit and a Master of Divinity from St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Alexander Zaleski on June 4, 1966. He served the diocese as pastor of St. Jude, DeWitt, St. Patrick, Brighton, and St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing. He returned to his home parish as Rector and assumed the position of Moderator of the Curia in January, 1998.

Reverend Jeffrey Njus - from Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor to Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing.

Father Njus, was ordained a priest in 2003, after receiving a BA from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN and completing priesthood studies at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL. Prior to serving St. Thomas the Apostle he was Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick, Brighton.

Reverend Michael O’Brien – from Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing to Parochial Vicar of St Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing.

Fr. O’Brien was ordained in 2005 following priesthood studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He also has a BA in Criminal Justice and worked for a number of years for the Federal Bureau of Prisons prior to entering the seminary. He has served Immaculate Heart of Mary since his ordination.

Reverend Robert Pienta – appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Jackson and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson.

Fr. Pienta, a graduate of Lumen Christi High School, Jackson, received a BA from Michigan State University and a Master of Divinity from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit. He served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick , Brighton, Pastor of Immaculate Conception , Milan and temporary parochial Administrator of St. Stanislaus Kostka , Jackson. Rev. Fr. Pienta has served as parochial administrator of Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center since February, 2009.

Reverend Jeffrey Poll - from Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick, Brighton, to Parochial Vicar of Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson.

Father Poll is a native of Ann Arbor, MI. He received a BS in Sociology from the University of St. Thomas Bach, and completed priesthood studies at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing in 2005 and has served St. Patrick since his ordination.

Reverend George Puthenpeedika – from Sacramental Minister of Christ the King Parish, Flint and Genesee Hospital Ministry to Parochial Administrator of Holy Rosary Parish, Flint.

Fr. Puthenpeedika was ordained to the priesthood
in 1979. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Law as well as a Masters in Economics and training and working knowledge as
a CPA. He also holds a BA Hons (Theology) from Gregorian University, Rome. He served as a Pastor for over 16 years in different parishes in India and as a college principal for seven years. He has been a Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton, as well as Sacramental Minister to Christ the King Parish, Flint and Genesee Hospital Ministry.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Raica - appointed temporary administrator of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Parish, Bellevue from August 1 – September 7, 2009.

Msgr. Raica, a native of Munising, has served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing since 2005. He completed priesthood studies at St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, and received a Master of Divinity Degree from the University of Detroit. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University, and his doctorate in canon law, with a specialization in jurisprudence, from the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

During his priesthood, he has been involved with the Church’s ministry to the hearing impaired, serving first as director of that effort and in recent years as the chaplain to the Ministry of the Deaf. He has been the Superior of the Casa Santa Maria, the graduate house of the North American College, Rome, Italy.

Reverend Gordon Reigle – from Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew , Saline to Chaplain of Lansing Catholic Central High School.

Fr. Reigle graduated from Lumen Christi High School, Jackson, and received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Western Michigan University and a Master of Divinity Degree from St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, IL. He has served as parochial vicar at St. Andrew, Saline, since his ordination to the priesthood in June, 2005.

Reverend Bernard Reilly - from Pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Jackson to Rector of St. Mary Cathedral.

Fr. Reilly is a native of Jackson and was ordained in 1973 following studies at St. Gregory Seminary and Mt. St. Mary Seminary, Cincinnati and St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. Fr. Reilly previously served as Pastor of St. Leo the Great, Flint, St. Luke, Flint, and St. Jude, DeWitt. He has been Pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea since June, 1998.

Reverend Cecilio Reyna – from Pastor of St. Mary, Westphalia to Pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson and chaplain of Sacred Heart Pastoral Center.

Fr. Reyna was born in Loredo, TX, and raised in Flint. He was ordained a priest June 11, 1994 as the first person of Mexican-American roots for the Diocese of Lansing and the second Hispanic. He received his BA in Philosophy from St. John Vianney Seminary, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, and Master of Divinity from the Oblate School of Theology at Assumption Seminary, San Antonio, TX. Fr. Reyna has served as parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist , Jackson, St. Mary Student Parish, Ann Arbor and St. Pius X , Flint. He served as administrator of St. Mary, Westphalia from January 2001 until he was assigned pastor in June, 2001.

Reverend Darin Robert – from Chaplain at U of M Hospital, Ann Arbor to Senior Priest status effective August 1, 2009.

Fr. Robert was ordained in 1971 after completing priesthood studies at Duns Scotus College in Southfield, MI, and St. Leonard College in Dayton, Ohio. He completed post-graduate studies at the Institute of Religion and Human Development at Baylor University in Houston. Fr. Robert was incardinated into the Diocese of Lansing in 1978, and has been Director of Pastoral Care for the University of Michigan Health Systems since 1984.

Reverend Jeffrey Robideau - from Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Jackson to Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Michigan Center, effective July 1, 2009.

Fr. Robideau has served as Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Jackson since 2006. He earned a BS in Computer Science from U of M and completed his priesthood studies at Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary, Cincinnati, OH and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit. He has served as a parochial vicar at Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton; St. Joseph Parish, St. Johns and Resurrection Parish, Lansing. He has served in Prison Ministry in the Jackson facilities as he resided at St. Joseph Home for Children, Jackson.

Reverend Robert Roggenbuck – appointed Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Ypsilanti, effective July 1, 2009, along with continuing service as Pastor of Transfiguration, Ypsilanti until it closes.

Fr. Roggenbuck born in Livonia, graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and completed his priesthood studies at St. Mary of the
Lake / Mundelein Seminary. Ordained in 2004 he served as parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor, and chaplain of Luke M. Powers
High School, Flint. He has been pastor of Transfiguration , Ypsilanti since July 18, 2007.

Reverend Mark Joseph Rutherford - ordained into the Priesthood June 13, 2009, assigned as Parochial Vicar to St. Patrick Parish, Brighton.

Rev. Mark Joseph Rutherford was born November 26, 1982 in Ypsilanti,, the fourth son of Brad and Karen Rutherford. His home parish is Christ the King, Ann Arbor. He attended Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and Seton Home High School. He graduated from Ave Maria College (Theology, Philosophy); Holy Apostles College and Seminary (Online Courses) and Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Masters of Divinity). Father Rutherford interned at St. Mary Parish, Pinckney and Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton.

Reverend Phillip Schmitter – appointed Pastor of Christ the King, Flint.

Fr. Schmitter was born in Lansing ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He served as parochial vicar at Holy Redeemer, St. Luke and Holy Rosary Parishes, Flint. He also served as director of St. Francis Prayer Center, Flint.

Reverend Paul Schwermer - resigning as Pastor of Holy Rosary, Flint to serve in Hospital Chaplaincy for the Genesee Vicariate.

Fr. Schwermer, born in Duluth, MN., graduated from Father Luke M. Powers High School, and was ordained in 1982 following studies at St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. He was parochial vicar at St. John , Jackson, St. John the Evangelist , Ypsilanti, St. Robert Bellarmine , Flushing and St. Gerard , Lansing and has served as Pastor of SS. Charles and Helena , Clio and Holy Rosary, Flint since June, 1993.

Reverend James Shaver - appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Jackson, continuing as Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson.

Fr. Shaver, a Lansing native, received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Labor and Industrial Relations both from Michigan State University. He completed his Master’s degree in Divinity at St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. In addition to St. John the Evangelist, he served as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Pinckney and is Vicar of the Jackson Vicariate.

Reverend David Speicher - from Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing to Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Howell.

Father Speicher was ordained in 1986 after receiving a BA in Philosophy from the University of Detroit and and M.Div. with Mission Specialization from the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. He served as a Parochial Vicar of Holy Redeemer, Burton and St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor and as Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Howell.

Reverend Denis R. Spitzley – from pastor of St Mary, Charlotte and Parochial Administrator of St. Ann, Bellevue, to Pastor of St. Catherine Laboure, Concord, effective August 1, 2009.

Fr. Spitzley a native of Westphalia, was ordained in 1975 following studies at St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. He has served as Parochial Vicar of Resurrection Parish, Lansing, St. John Vianney Parish, Flint and St. Therese Parish, Lansing. Reverend Denis has served as Pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler, St. Joseph Parish, Owosso, St. Mary Parish, Jackson, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Burton and St. Mary Parish, Charlotte. He has also served as Parochial Administrator of St. Ann Parish, Bellevue.