First of all I would like to say hello to all of you and let you know how happy I am to be here at St. Hugo’s as your new associate pastor. Msgr. Tony asked me to put a bit of a biography together, to give you a little information about me, so here it is.

I was born and raised in the Utica/Sterling Heights area. I am the youngest of four kids, two older sisters and an older brother (yes they enjoyed picking on the little brother when they had the chance). My father passed away about 5 years ago and my mom lives in Washington Township. Prior to entering the seminary, in the fall of 1998, I did my undergraduate studies at Michigan State (I bleed GREEN), receiving a BS in Mechanical Engineering. After leaving MSU I went to Wayne State for my graduate studies in education where I received my teaching certification. In the fall of 1989 I began a 9 year teaching career at Brother Rice HS. While at Brother Rice I taught physics, produced the theater program my first three years, and I was the varsity swim coach for my last six years.

I left the school to join the seminary and begin my studies for the priesthood in the fall of 1998. In my time in the seminary I spent my first two years at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and I have spent the last 4 years in Rome at the North American College where I received my degree in theology and began my license in Canon Law.As you can see I have quite an eclectic background and my interests are just as varied. I enjoy many things such as movies, theater and all sports (watching and playing). Most of all I like getting together with family and friends and having a good conversation. I would love to tell you more but I think leaving a little for live conversation and questions is better than writing it all down.Again I am very excited to be here and a part of your parish family. I hope that I can be of help to you and please feel free to call upon me. It is a great feeling to actually be serving as a priest after six years of study so know that I am ready to get started. Please feel free to talk to me, my door is always open.

Peace and God Bless,
Fr. Ron
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My Opinion and I Do Have One! by Fr. Ron

Vocation
As you may or may not be aware this past week was National Vocations Week what does that mean? When we look at a vocation, the first thing we think about is vocations to the priesthood (something near and dear to my heart, and I will touch on that later in this article) but a vocation is much more than that. When we “FORMALLY” speak of a vocation we separate it into categories, those being; priesthood, religious, married and single life; living our lives in any of these manners is a vocation. However, I think a stipulation needs to be put on this and that is living that type of life because it is what God is asking of you. (more) 01-2005 The Grinch!!!!!!!!
At this time I often think of this great Christmas story, “The Grinch who stole Christmas” and this year I seem to be thinking of it even more. After being out of the country for the past four years I have been hit a little more with the idea of not using the words “Merry Christmas”. Not that I am shocked because I am not but I am surprised at the extent to which it has gone. It seems like the world has become “The Grinch” and wants to steal Christmas from all of us. I think we need to keep in mind that this “theft” can only happen if we let it happen. Thanks to all of you! (more) 12-2004

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