GAYLORD, MICHIGAN – The Most Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh, bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, has announced the following appointments, effective July 1, 2026, unless otherwise stated.
Deacon Christopher “Jake” Belanger – to diaconal ministry, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Petoskey. Deacon Belanger will return to Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, in the fall to complete his studies. Effective June 6, 2026.
Reverend Shabu P. Kunnathoor - from Parochial Vicar, Divine Mercy Parish, Manistee, to return to priestly ministry, Diocese of Kottapuram, India. Effective May 1, 2026.
Reverend Leonard D. Paul – from Administrator, St. Gertrude Parish, Northport, and St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Suttons Bay, to retirement.
Deacon Thomas D. Anderson – from diaconal ministry, St. Raphael Parish, Mikado; St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Ossineke; and St. Gabriel Parish, Black River. Deacon Anderson will continue diaconal ministry, Sacred Heart Parish, Oscoda, and St. Anne Parish, Harrisville.
Deacon Curtis P. Chambers – from diaconal ministry, St. Clement Parish, Pellston, and Assumption of St. Mary Parish, Burt Lake, to diaconal ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Mackinaw City. Deacon Chambers will continue diaconal ministry, St. Mary-St. Charles Parish, Cheboygan, and Sacred Heart Parish, Riggsville, and Co-coordinator, Native American Ministry.
Deacon Frederick A. Hackl – from diaconal ministry, Holy Cross Parish, Cross Village, and St. Nicholas Parish, Larks Lake. Deacon Hackl will continue diaconal ministry, Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish, Harbor Springs, and St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Good Hart.
Deacon Brent H. Hemker – from diaconal ministry at St. Stephen, King of Hungary Parish, Skidway Lake. Deacon Hemker will continue diaconal ministry, Holy Family Parish, East Tawas, and St. Pius X Parish, Hale.
Deacon Kevin P. Hughes – from diaconal ministry at St. Theresa Parish, Manton, and St. Edward Parish, Harrietta. Deacon Hughes will continue diaconal ministry, St. Ann Parish, Cadillac, and St. Stephen Parish, Lake City.
Deacon Frank P. Kopasz – from diaconal ministry at St. Theresa Parish, Manton, and St. Edward Parish, Harrietta. Deacon Kopasz will continue diaconal ministry, St. Ann Parish, Cadillac, and St. Stephen Parish, Lake City.
Deacon Martin P. Korson – from Director of Parish Life, St. Wenceslaus Parish, Gill’s Pier, to diaconal ministry, parish to be determined.
Deacon Scott J. Landane – from diaconal ministry at St. Paul Parish, Onaway, and St. Monica Parish, Afton to St. Casimir Parish, Posen. Deacon Landane will continue diaconal ministry, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Rogers City.
