News & Press Releases

In an effort to provide those who visit this site with up-to-date information regarding events or stories of interest happening within the diocese, the Secretariat for Communications researches and prepares articles and news releases.

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Bishop Cooney Announces Appointments

May 16, 2000
Effective June 14, 2000 Rev. Duane Wachowiak released as Associate Pastor at St. Mary-St. Charles, Cheboygan to begin summer school studies in liturgy at Notre Dame University. Effective June 28, 2000 Deacon Garth Hilmer (following Ordination to the Priesthood on June 10, 2000) to Associate Pastor at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Effective July 1, 2000 Rev. Reynaldo A. Garcia, S.J. to Pastor for Pastoral Matters of the Diocesan Mission to the Hispanics. Rev. Garcia will continue Sacramental Ministry to St. Wenceslaus, Gills Pier and Holy Rosary, Cedar. Rev. Chad Zielinski to Pastor for Administrative Affairs of the Diocesan Mission to the Hispanics. Rev. Zielinski will continue as Pastor at St. Philip Neri, Empire and St. Rita-St. Joseph, Maple City. Effective July 4, 2000 Rev. Leonard Jocys from Pastor at St. Anthony, Mackinaw City and Sacred Heart, Riggsville to Senior Priest status and Sacramental Minister at Sacred Heart, Riggsville. Effective July 12, 2000 Rev. James M. Bearss from Associate Pastor at St. Joseph, Manistee to Administrator, St. Ann Parish in Frankfort. Rev. Bearss will continue to serve as Chaplain at Manistee Catholic Central Schools. Effective August 2, 2000 Sr. Chris Herald from Pastoral Administrator at St. Hubert, Higgins Lake and St. James, No. Houghton Lake to Pastoral Administrator at St. Anthony of Padua in Mackinaw City. Rev. Greg McCallum from Associate Pastor at St. Ann, Cadillac to Administrator at St. Hubert, Higgins Lake and St. James, No. Houghton Lake.