Coordinating Commission Members

Rev. John Byers, pastor for the past 8 years of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing, MI. Experienced in Human Resources planning and collaborative ministry initiatives. Has served as a member of Presbyteral Council, Priest’s Assignment Committee, Retirement Board and Lansing Catholic Central School Board.

Dcn. Jim Corder, Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Parish Business Manager, Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton, MI. Has worked for the Church for over 20 years in a full-time capacity. Was ordained to the diaconate in 2000.

William Devine, past principal of Saint John Elementary School, Jackson, MI. Has served as a member of the Diocesan Strategic Pastoral Planning Commission and has led the Diocesan Blue Ribbon Committee in a review of diocesan support for Catholic School education. Has over 36 years of school administrative experience.

Michael D. Diebold, Director of Communications for the past 16 years for the Diocese of Lansing. Previously had served the diocese as Environmental Coordinator assisting parishes and schools in complying with local, state and federal environmental regulations.

Patrick P. Gribben, Jr, member of the Catholic Community of Saint Jude, DeWitt, MI. Serves the diocese as a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Former chairperson of the Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation and Liturgical Commission Publishings. A former eucharistic minister in the Lansing hospitals and past president and CEO of Delta Dental Plan of Michigan until he retired in 1993.

Rev. Msgr. Richard Groshek, Vicar General for the Diocese of Lansing. Served as regional vicar for the Genesee-Owosso region during 2002-2006. Served as pastor for twenty five years of two different parishes (Saint Mary and Saint Pius X) located within the City of Flint.

Dcn. Vincent Guarnaccia, deacon serving Saint Martha Parish, Okemos, MI. Serves the parish as RCIA director and provides outreach Eucharistic ministry to local extended care homes and an independent living facility. Previously was instrumental in developing parish Migrant Ministry which continues to serve migrant workers on southern Ingham County.

Marinell High, Director of Religious Education, Saint Joseph Parish, Dexter, MI. Responsibilities include all children’s formation, catechist formation and parish life activities. Serves the diocese as a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Diocesan DRE Advisory Board.

Rev. David Howell, pastor for the past 15 years of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Brighton, MI. Has served the Diocese of Lansing in priestly ministry for 28 years. Has served on several diocesan boards including six years as chair of the Diocesan Planning Commission (now the Diocesan Pastoral Council).

Rev. Charles Irvin, senior priest in the Diocese of Lansing. Served four parishes in and around Ann Arbor, MI. Served on numerous diocesan committees and boards. Was a member of the US Bishops’ Advisory Board. Served on the committee that founded our Diocesan Pastoral Council and was the founding editor of FAITH Magazine.

Vern Johnson, member of Saint Thomas Parish, East Lansing, MI. Serves as a member of the Diocesan Finance Council. Is a lay minister and serves on the parish counting team.

Rev. Timothy E. MacDonald, pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler, MI. Currently serves on the Board of Liturgical Commission Publishings/Lasting Comfort Press and on the Diocesan Natural Family Planning Advisory Committee. Has served on the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Priest Assignment Committee.

Sr. Joan May, SSJ, pastoral coordinator of Saint Mark Parish, Goodrich, MI. Has served in ministry in the Diocese of Lansing as a Catholic School Teacher and principal.

Rev. Robert McGraw, pastor of Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackon, MI. Previously served on the committee to form diocesan offices into departments and then chaired the Department of Pastoral Formation under Bishop Kenneth Povish. Served for three years as Rector/President of Assumption Seminary, San Antonio, TX. Currently serves as Chair of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council.

Rev. Msgr. Michael D. Murphy, Moderator of the Curia and Rector of Saint Mary Cathedral, Lansing, MI. Has served on the Presbyteral Council, Presbyteral Assignment Committee, Diocesan Board of Education, Diocesan Vocations Committee and Judge in the Court of Second Instance for the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal. Has served as Vicar for Religious since 1971.

Rev. Msgr. Steven Raica, chancellor for the Diocese of Lansing. Is a consultant in Canon Law and resides at Saint Mary Cathedral Parish, Lansing, MI.

Pattie Scherer, retired Director of Worship and Christian Initiation, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Ann Arbor MI. Has served on the Diocesan Worship Commission and Christian Initiation Steering Committee.

Sr. Rita Wenzlick, OP, Director of the Office of Pastoral Planning for the Diocese of Lansing. Supports the work of the Coordinating Commission through the Office of Pastoral Planning.

Sharon Wimple, Director of Pastoral Care, Dominican Life Center, Adrian, MI. Previously served the Diocese of Lansing as a pastoral minister and Director of Religious Education. Serves on the Diocesan Pastoral Council and is a Commissioned Lay Minister.

Melinda Ziegler, Serves as the Lenawee/Hillsdale Regional Representative to the Diocesan Christian Initiation Steering Committee. Will complete ministry formation through Siena Heights University in December, 2006.