Transition to new ministry

As I stated last weekend, it is with a heavy heart that I prepare for this new assignment, scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026. As announced at all the masses, Archbishop Weisenberger has appointed me to the role of Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Detroit and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocesan staff. These are both full-time appointments, which means that my time as Moderator/Pastor of the Quo Vadis Domine Family of Parishes will be ending with this calendar year. With this new office, I will reside at the archbishop’s residence in Detroit…reunited with Fr. Adam Nowak!!

I have been blessed to serve alongside all of you, some for the totality of my now 9 ½ years, while others, only for a few months. Whether it has been long or short, I am grateful for my ministry with you. One parish, let alone four, will only be successful in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, providing the Sacraments, and ministering to the Faithful, with people like yourselves who so faithfully live as disciples of Christ. According to the Code of Canon Law, the Vicar General is the principal priest delegate of the (Arch)Diocesan Bishop. The Vicar General possesses the delegated authority in the (Arch)Diocese from the (Arch)Bishop to oversee all administrative activity, except for those which the (Arch)Bishop has reserved to himself.

The Moderator of the Curia is appointed by the (Arch)Diocesan Bishop whose task it is under the authority of the (Arch)Bishop to coordinate the exercise of administrative responsibilities and to see that all members of the Curia (Archdiocesan staff) dutifully fulfill the offices entrusted to them. The Moderator of the Curia fosters unity, identity, and purpose within the Curia. He guides and directs diocesan departments in the implementation of the (Arch)Diocese’s mission and the priorities of the (Arch)Bishop.

As the Archdiocese of Detroit begins preparations for a process of restructuring, and as I begin the transition of providing leadership with this important endeavor, in addition to the other duties of my new role, I look forward to helping our priests and people better prepare for the future reality that is before us, always mindful that we are missionary disciples of the Risen Christ. While this is not yet goodbye, please know of my gratitude for all your support and prayers. I ask for your continued prayers, that I might be able to faithfully fulfill all that is now before me with a servant’s heart, and with the inspiration of Mother Cabrini, who dutifully followed the words of Scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Introducing Fr. John Herman, CSC

The next Moderator/Pastor for the Quo Vadis Domine Family of Parishes will be Fr. John Herman, CSC, presently serving at St. Anne Basilica, Detroit. Fr. John is a native of the downriver area, specifically St. Joesph parish in the city of Trenton. He has served as a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross Fathers (CSC) for the past 30 years…a Religious Order that began in 1837 to teach, preach, and serve around the nation of France and quickly expanded to other areas around the globe. The Holy Cross Fathers administer several Catholic universities, most prominently, Notre Dame, South Bend, IN….so you know he has my full endorsement!! He is in the process of becoming a full-time priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Fr. John is a hard-working, dedicated, and faithful priest. He has ministered in a variety of places and in different roles. He graduated from his parish grade school and Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Detroit before entering formation with the Holy Cross community. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 1995, Fr. John has served at St. John Vianney Parish in Goodyear, Arizona, in residence hall ministry and campus ministry at the University of Notre Dame, at Nuestra Madre Santisma de la Luz Parish in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and in Formation ministry at Moreau Seminary at Notre Dame University.

On several occasions over the past three years, Fr. John has assisted at most of our parishes in the QVD Family, so he will be a familiar face to many. Suffice to say, you are in good hands with Fr. John as your new Moderator/Pastor! Please keep him in your prayers, as he prepares for this transition.

That’s all for now, see you in Church, Fr. Tim Birney