My philosophy of life and ministry is this…
All that life is, is a series of relationships, in which we learn to love God and others. Everything else either contributes to that or distracts us from it. My philosophy of ministry is that all ministry is relational. Whether or not we have effective ministry depends on the quality of our relationships.
I have been married to my lovely wife Karen since 1976. We have three amazing children with four beautiful grandchildren (and counting). I love scripture, playing the guitar and ballroom dancing with Karen. I play golf and disc golf with my son, Matthew, and I adore playing with my grandchildren.
I have been in full time lay ministry since 1976 and praise God for all he has given me. I have had 16 years in parish ministry, two years teaching religion at a Catholic High School and have completed my 18th year in full time diocesan ministry. I also had one year of part-time parish and diocesan ministry. Currently, Karen and I attend Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, in Lansing, MI, where I sing in the choir.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids Michigan, where I majored in Theology and English, and minored in Greek and Secondary Education. I received my Masters in Arts degree in Pastoral Ministry from Regis University in Denver; and I am a certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in Youth Ministry, Catechesis, and Pastoral Ministry.