Like any new person to a community, introductions need to be made. As your new pastor I am happy to give a little background on myself, where I come from and what I done over the years. My life wouldn’t be called too exciting but it has not been boring either. So here I go!

I was born in Detroit to Joseph and Gloria Lopez and raised in Redford Township. I attended St. Robert Bellarmine for grade school and Divine Child High School for my college prep. When I graduated from Divine Child in 1988, I was accepted into the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It was at U. of M. when I began to discern my vocation to the priesthood. I graduated from the School of Kinesiology with a degree in Sports Management and Communication. Like most graduates today, I struggled to find a job within my field and worked part time at different places for four years, including the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Health and Physical Education Department. It was while in that office I was urged to discern my vocation to the priesthood more seriously. My response to that urging was similar to those men in our Church’s history…I ran away! I ran into an opportunity to work full time as a probation officer for the 20th District Court in Dearborn Heights from 1996-1998.

Now, my work as a probation officer was good and could be at times challenging. I especially liked it when defendants yelled at me because of the judges’ decision regarding fines and costs. It was not personal, just business. Maybe that is why I do not take anything personal when I make decisions regarding the parish. It is a person or a group of people that loves their parish and wants the best for it even though they may not understand why certain decisions have to be made for the good of all and not just for a select group. Before I digress too much, it was while a probation officer that I began to discern my vocation more to the priesthood. The Passionist Priests kept pursuing me and asking me to think about joining their Order. That is when my friend from Divine Child countered their offer by asking me to think about being a priest for Detroit.

I accepted my friend’s offer and went to Sacred Heart Major Seminary for a discernment weekend. As soon as I went into the chapel, I knew that was where I needed to be to discern my priestly vocation. I was accepted into Sacred Heart and reported on August 28th, 1998. The significance of this day, it was my 28th birthday! I could not have asked God for a better birthday present. Yet it did get better. For you see, it was during those six years of seminary that I developed a better relationship with my God, His Son and their Holy Spirit. Was my experience at Sacred Heart always positive? Not at all! I had struggles and low points just like any other person who is struggling in life’s calling. Here’s an idea of what I am speaking of, I had a great head of hair when I entered! My hair is located in the sink of my former dorm room! That is what stress and anxiety can do to a person. Yes, even men of God can experience struggles in their relationships with the Almighty.

I was ordained on May 29th, 2004 with eight other men, the largest ordination class in a long time. I began my ministry as the Associate Pastor at Our Lady of the Lakes in Waterford under the mentorship of Fr. Larry Delonnay. I served there for three years and when it was time for my reassignment, I was asked to be a pastor of the newly merged parish, Our Lady on the River. OLR consisted of three sites located in Marine City, Algonac and Harsens Island. When I was installed by Bishop Earl Boyea I was recognized as the founding pastor of OLR. Along with my duties at the parish, I was also the chaplain for Cardinal Mooney High School and the Marine City Police Department. For three years I enjoyed my stay there but when I saw the opening for St. Isaac, I kept a promise to my dad before he died that I would apply to a parish closer to mom and the family. Whether I received it or not that was another issue. So I kept my word to dad and applied after speaking with Fr. Mazur. Surprisingly, I was offered the position and after prayerful consideration I accepted the Archbishop’s request of transfer.

Will I miss Our Lady on the River? Of course I will! The people were very good to me especially when they consoled me when my dad died. They saw me through one of the most difficult moments in my life and I am forever grateful. Yet I knew when I arrived here last Thursday that this parish was meant for me. How? I heard that glorious football whistle being blown by the coaches! The second thing that made me know that this was a good place, how my mom and family was treated during my post Mass reception. Everyone made her feel special. She loved it but was humbled by all the attention, just like her son.

Next week I will write more about my brothers and sister. By the time you finish reading about them, you may need a scorecard and a bottle of aspirin. I know I do sometimes!

Have a blessed week and again I give thanks for this opportunity to be your pastor and shepherd,

Fr. Jim