News Summary
Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger has announced a series of new priest appointments across several parishes in Southeast Michigan, effective July 1, 2025. These changes include assignments for Fr. Patrick Connell, Fr. Ryszard Czerniak, Fr. Athanasius Fornwalt, Fr. Sama Muma, and Fr. Charles Nwamadi. The adjustments aim to enhance pastoral support and meet the spiritual needs of congregations, signaling a strategic effort by the Archdiocese to strengthen community connections and spiritual growth in the region.
Detroit, Michigan — Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger announced a series of new appointments for priests across multiple parishes in Southeast Michigan, effective July 1, 2025. The changes will impact several communities as the Archdiocese looks to enhance pastoral support and meet the spiritual needs of its congregations.
Fr. Patrick Connell will serve as full-time priest support for five parishes that make up the Thresholds of Hope Family of Parishes. These include Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Grosse Pointe Woods, St. Basil the Great Parish in Eastpointe, St. Joan of Arc Parish and St. Lucy Parish in St. Clair Shores, and St. Veronica Parish in Eastpointe. Currently, Fr. Connell is part of the in solidum team of priests at four other parishes within the Family Sent on Mission: Divine Providence Parish in Southfield, Our Lady of La Salette Parish in Berkley, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Oak Park, and Transfiguration Parish in Southfield.
An additional appointment was made for Fr. Ryszard Czerniak, S.Chr., who will also provide full-time priest support to the Central Genesis 1 Family of Parishes. His responsibilities will span five parishes: Mother of Divine Mercy Parish and St. John Paul II Parish in Detroit, as well as Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish, St. Florian Parish, and St. Hyacinth Parish, all located in Hamtramck and Detroit. Fr. Czerniak currently serves a community outside the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Another notable appointment involves Fr. Athanasius Fornwalt, FHS, who will take on the role of moderator and member of the in solidum team for the One in the Spirit Family of Parishes. The parishes included in this assignment are Christ the King Parish, St. Charles Lwanga Parish, St. Moses the Black Parish, St. Peter Claver Parish, and St. Suzanne – Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish, all situated within Detroit. Fr. Fornwalt will maintain his responsibilities at Corpus Christi Parish, SS. Peter and Paul (Westside) Parish, and St. Mary of Redford Parish, which are also part of the One in the Spirit Family.
Additionally, Fr. Sama Muma has been appointed as full-time priest support to the same parishes as Fr. Fornwalt within the D4 Mission Family of Parishes. Currently, Fr. Muma serves as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Mission in Brown City and two other parishes: SS. Peter and Paul Parish in North Branch and St. Mary Burnside Parish in North Branch, collectively known as the Northern Lapeer County Family of Parishes.
Lastly, Fr. Charles Nwamadi, SSJ, has been designated to provide full-time priest support for the Trinity Family of Parishes, which includes Our Lady Queen of Heaven–Good Shepherd Parish and St. Raymond – Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Northeast Detroit. Fr. Nwamadi was recently ordained on May 31, 2025, and will be stepping into this significant role shortly after his ordination.
These appointments reflect a strategic effort by the Archdiocese of Detroit to strengthen its community and adapt to the changing needs within the region’s parishes. The transitions are aimed at fostering deeper connections and spiritual growth among parishioners throughout Southeast Michigan.
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