FCM HISTORY
From 1968 to today, embracing inclusive ministry.
FCM has its roots in the Vatican II era that affirmed the primary identity of the Church as the pilgrim people of God and embraced a dialogue with the modern world.
Watch a recorded session discussing the history and formation of FCM featuring founding and long-time members of FCM.
The Society of Priest’s for a Free Ministry: 1968 Steering Committee
Individual | Role | Region | |
---|---|---|---|
Patrick K. Best | Executive Secretary | Detroit, MI | ![]() |
Raymond Dakoske | Regional Coordinator | Detroit, MI | |
Harry Houle | Chairman | Phoenix, AZ | |
Fr. Vincent J. Eckholm (b. Jan 12, 1942, d. Feb 23, 2014) | Regional Coordinator | Chicago, IL | |
Thomas Pucelik | Regional Coordinator | Peoria, IL | |
Robert MacMahon | Regional Coordinator | St. Louis, MO | |
Frank Bognano | Regional Coordinator | Council Bluffs, IA | |
James Dagenais | Regional Coordinator | Oxford, OH | |
Ed Steichen (b. Sep 24, 1931, d. Sep 11, 2014) | Regional Coordinator | Madison, WI |
Leadership History of the Society of Priests for a Free Ministry (SPFM)
Individual | Role | Term | |
---|---|---|---|
Eugene Bianchi (b. 1930, d. 2022) | President | 1969-1971 |
|
Rocco Caporale (d. Jun 30, 2008) | Vice President | 1969- | ![]() |
Thomas (“Tom”) Durkin | Executive Secretary | 1969- | |
Patrick K. Best | Treasurer | 1969 | ![]() |
Bernard McGoldrick | President | 1971-1973 | ![]() |
Leadership History of FCM
Individual | Role | Term | |
---|---|---|---|
Bishop William Manseau, Good Shepherd Companions, Ecumenical Catholic Ordinariate | President | 1973-1976 | ![]() |
Gerald Grudzen Martia Grudzen | Co-Presidents | 1976-1980 | ![]() |
Susana Schlesinger Paul Schlesinger | Co-Presidents | 1980-1984 | |
Mary Jane Schutzius | President | 1984-1988 | ![]() |
Dr. Joseph William Ruane (b. Feb 23, 1933) | President | 1988-1992 | ![]() |
William Leahy (b. May 27, 1935, d. Jan 2, 1999) | President | 1992-1996 | |
Tom Leonhardt (b. 1934, d. Dec 2, 2021) Carolyn Horvath | Co-President | 1996-1998 | ![]() |
Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP (b. 1948) | President | 1998-2004 | ![]() |
Clem DeWall (b. Mar 29, 1933, d. May 5, 2025) Elieen Mackin | Co-Presidents | 2004-2008 | ![]() |
Tom Quinn Michaelita Quinn | Co-Presidents | 2008-2014 | ![]() |
Thomas Cusack | President | 2014-2021 | ![]() |
Ron Davis | President | 2021-2023 | ![]() |
Thomas Cusack | President | 2023-2025 Position Eliminated | ![]() |
Past Presidents
Term | President(s) | |
---|---|---|
1969-1971 | Eugene Bianchi (b. 1930, d. 2022) | |
1971-1973 | Bernard McGoldrick (d. Apr 11, 2000) | |
1973-1976 | William Manseau | |
1976-1980 | Gerald & Martia Grudzen | |
1980-1984 | Paul & Susana Schlesinger | |
1984-1988 | Mary Jane Schutzius | |
1988-1992 | Joseph Ruane | |
1992-1996 | William Leahy (b. May 27, 1935, d. Jan 2, 1999) | |
1996-1998 | Tom Leonhardt (b. 1934, d. Dec 2, 2021) & Carolyn Horvath | |
1998-2004 | Bridget Mary Meehan (b. 1948) | |
2004-2008 | Clem DeWall & Elieen Mackin | |
2008-2014 | Tom & Michaelita Quinn | |
2014-2020 | Thomas Cusack | |
2021-2023 | Ron Davis | |
2023-2025 (Position eliminated) | Thomas Cusack |