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

IndividualRoleRegion 
Patrick K. BestExecutive SecretaryDetroit, MI
Raymond DakoskeRegional CoordinatorDetroit, MI 
Harry HouleChairmanPhoenix, AZ 
Fr. Vincent J. Eckholm
(b. Jan 12, 1942, d. Feb 23, 2014)
Regional CoordinatorChicago, IL 
Thomas PucelikRegional CoordinatorPeoria, IL 
Robert MacMahonRegional CoordinatorSt. Louis, MO 
Frank BognanoRegional CoordinatorCouncil Bluffs, IA 
James DagenaisRegional CoordinatorOxford, OH 
Ed Steichen
(b. Sep 24, 1931, d. Sep 11, 2014)
Regional CoordinatorMadison, WI

Leadership History of the Society of Priests for a Free Ministry (SPFM)

 

 

Individual RoleTerm 
Eugene Bianchi
(b. 1930, d. 2022)
President1969-1971

 

Rocco Caporale
(d. Jun 30, 2008)
Vice President1969-
Thomas (“Tom”) DurkinExecutive Secretary1969- 
Patrick K. BestTreasurer1969
Bernard McGoldrickPresident1971-1973

Leadership History of FCM

Individual RoleTerm
Bishop William Manseau, Good Shepherd Companions, Ecumenical Catholic OrdinariatePresident1973-1976
Gerald Grudzen
Martia Grudzen
Co-Presidents1976-1980
Susana Schlesinger
Paul Schlesinger
Co-Presidents1980-1984
Mary Jane SchutziusPresident1984-1988
Dr. Joseph William Ruane
(b. Feb 23, 1933)
President1988-1992
William Leahy
(b. May 27, 1935, d. Jan 2, 1999)
President1992-1996
Tom Leonhardt
(b. 1934, d. Dec 2, 2021)
Carolyn Horvath
Co-President1996-1998
Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
(b. 1948)
President1998-2004
Clem DeWall
(b. Mar 29, 1933, d. May 5, 2025)
Elieen Mackin
Co-Presidents2004-2008
Tom Quinn
Michaelita Quinn
Co-Presidents2008-2014
Thomas CusackPresident2014-2021
Ron DavisPresident2021-2023
Thomas CusackPresident2023-2025
Position Eliminated

Past Presidents

 

TermPresident(s) 
1969-1971Eugene Bianchi
(b. 1930, d. 2022)
1971-1973Bernard McGoldrick
(d. Apr 11, 2000)
 
1973-1976William Manseau
1976-1980Gerald & Martia Grudzen
1980-1984Paul & Susana Schlesinger 
1984-1988Mary Jane Schutzius 
1988-1992Joseph Ruane
1992-1996William Leahy
(b. May 27, 1935, d. Jan 2, 1999)
 
1996-1998Tom Leonhardt
(b. 1934, d. Dec 2, 2021) &
Carolyn Horvath
1998-2004Bridget Mary Meehan
(b. 1948)
2004-2008Clem DeWall & Elieen Mackin
2008-2014Tom & Michaelita Quinn
2014-2020Thomas Cusack
2021-2023Ron Davis

2023-2025

(Position eliminated)

Thomas Cusack