The Prodigal Son Has Returned!
After thirty-three years, I have returned to my home town of Macomb and my home parish, St. Isidore! I had a home here in Macomb at 21 Mile Road between Hayes and Romeo Plank for nearly three years back in 1991 through 1993. At that time, I was a CPA employed by Plante Moran (formerly Plante & Moran) in Southfield. The commute got to be too much for me, so I moved to Troy in 1993. As a St. Isidore parishioner, I was very active in the St. Vincent de Paul council at that time, and I was also involved with the Knights of Columbus. I taught catechism for one year (the confirmation year) – I decided working 80 hours during tax season was less stress than teaching young teens!
After 30 years in the business world, I finally answered God’s call, which I put on hold since I was a teen, to enter the seminary. At 47 years old I entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 3, 2017 at the age of 53. My first assignment (2017-2020) was as Associate Pastor at St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores. Afterwards, I was assigned as Administrator then Pastor of St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston (2020-2023). In 2023, I was asked to go to the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak as Rector. I was at “the Shrine” until my coming here back home to St. Isidore this year. Each assignment brought different experiences, challenges, and opportunities to grow spiritually and faithfully with the community I served.
I am truly happy to be home with you and I look forward to our journey together to come to know Jesus more intimately, to love Him more deeply, and to follow Him more closely! I thank Fr. Ron and all the priests and Bishop Fisher who have been overwhelmingly welcoming, supportive, and kind to me as I settle in here at St. Isidore. I participated in the famous rummage sale and Strawberry Festival last month, and I enjoyed both very much. I sensed very quickly that both of these traditional St. Isidore events provide a strong sense of community and fellowship among the parishioners and local community. My heartfelt gratitude to all those, and there are many, who helped make these events extremely successful!
I look forward to meeting each one of you and getting to know you better as we journey in faith to draw closer to God through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and our Blessed Mother and through the intercession of our Patron, St. Isidore!
May you continue to enjoy these summer days!
In the Love of Christ,
Fr. John
