On July 1, several priests are beginning new appointments announced this spring by Bishop Walkowiak. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to bid farewell to the communities they’ve been serving and begin their new roles:
Father Nicholas R. Baker, ordained to the priesthood on June 1, is appointed parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids.
Reverend Christopher T. Epplett, canonical administrator of St. Alphonsus Parish in Grand Rapids, is appointed pastor of the parish. This is in addition to his role as canonical administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish and All Saints Academy, Grand Rapids.
Reverend Troy A. Nevins is appointed canonical administrator of Saint Stephen Parish in East Grand Rapids. Effective April 8, he also was appointed vicar for priests of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. These appointments are in addition to his current assignment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Grand Rapids. The vicar for priests promotes the emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of all priests in the diocese.
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis requested that Reverend Scott T. Nolan be appointed to the formation faculty of Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Bishop Walkowiak has agreed to the request. Father Nolan’s assignment as pastor of Saint Stephen Parish in East Grand Rapids concludes on July 1, 2024 and he will officially begin his assignment at SJV in August.
Reverend Daniel R. Orris Jr., concludes his appointment as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Rockford, and begins his appointment as parochial vicar of St. Alphonsus and Blessed Sacrament parishes, Grand Rapids. His assignment as co-chaplain West Catholic High School continues. (appointment announced June 10, 2024)
The role of vicar for priests was previously held by Reverend Thomas P. Page. Father Page was appointed associate vicar for priests on Nov. 4, 1997, and vicar for priests on Jan. 9, 2018. Bishop Walkowiak expresses his sincere gratitude to Father Page for his 26 years of priestly service and dedication.
Reverend Daniel P. Schumaker, canonical administrator of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Grand Haven, is appointed pastor of the parish.
Reverend Noah I. Thelen, canonical administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish in Newaygo and St. Joseph Parish in White Cloud, is appointed pastor of those parishes.
In addition:
In May, the Paulist Fathers announced two new personnel appointments effective July 1. With approval from Bishop Walkowiak, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew welcomes Father Ryan Casey, CSP, as a second associate pastor alongside Father Mike Cruickshank, CSP. Father Ken Boyak, CSP, will join Father Bill Edens, CSP, and Father Joachim Lally, CSP, as a senior priest in residence.
Father Ken Boyack, CSP
Father Ryan Casey, CSP
Please continue to pray for the priests of our diocese and for new vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.
