Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2009 / Msgr. Bugarin, Fr. Riccardo to add archdiocesan roles
Msgr. Bugarin, Fr. Riccardo to add archdiocesan roles
by Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic Published November 13, 2009
Detroit - As part of the reorganization of the archdiocesan structure, Archbishop Allen Vigneron has named two priests to positions in addition to their duties as pastors of large suburban parishes.
Msgr. G. Michael Bugarin, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in St. Clair Shores, will serve as the archbishop's delegate for clergy sexual misconduct involving minors, succeeding Msgr. Ricardo Bass, who has been the delegate for more than four years.
Fr. John Riccardo, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Plymouth, will serve as director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
Msgr. Bugarin will be responsible for overseeing the archdiocesan response to complaints regarding clergy sexual misconduct. He will work closely with the archdiocese's victims' assistance coordinator, the promoter of ministerial standards, and the Archdiocesan Review Board to ensure fulfillment of the Archdiocese of Detroit's commitment to protect children and compliance with the Dallas Charter.
"I'm glad to help the archdiocese and the archbishop in any way I can," Msgr. Bugarin said.
Msgr. Bass will continue to hold the position as he works with Msgr. Bugarin during a transition period that should be complete by early December.
Fr. Riccardo will work with Margie Crooks, director of the Department of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Schools, to integrate and coordinate catechetical programming for youth and adults. Included in his responsibilities will be supervision of staff in the areas of marriage and family life, pro-life activities, ministerial certification and youth, young adult, and campus ministries.
Archbishop Vigneron said he had held consultations on the matter, during which "I have heard the need to increase the involvement of pastors in providing leadership and input in our Central Services programming and offices."
Fr. Riccardo said he looks forward to working with others to "bring people into a relationship with Jesus and to understand the beauty of our faith."
Msgr. Bugarin has a licentiate degree in canon law, in addition to experience in administrative and pastoral roles.
Fr. Riccardo has a licentiate degree in theology, specializing in marriage and family life, experience as director of the Cardinal Maida Institute for Youth and Family, as well as having pastored two parishes.
In addition, Archbishop Vigneron said he is "taking under advisement" suggestions for boundaries for "four stable regions."
Related Links:
|