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 | ![]() |
* Scrapbook, 1959-1999, Box: 10, Folder: 106. William K. Leahy-Vatican Council II Collection, 185. Catholic University of America Special Collections, Washington D. C.. https://findingaids.lib.catholic.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/67821 Accessed June 24, 2025.
Chairpersons of the Circle of Directors
Individual | Term | |
---|---|---|
Bishop William Manseau | 1976-1980 | ![]() |
James Dooley | 1980-1982 | |
Paul Schlesinger | 1984-1988 | |
Gerald Grudzen Marita Grudzen | 1990-1992 | ![]() |
Joseph Ruane | 1992-1996 | ![]() |
William Leahy | 1996-1997 | ![]() |
Joseph Ruane | 1997 | ![]() |
Michael McFadden | 1998 | |
Tom Leonhardt Carolyn Horvath | 1998-1999 | ![]() |
Joseph Ruane | 1999-2001 | ![]() |
Paula Fangman Tom Fangman | 2001 | |
Paul Reithmaier Jan Reithmaier | 2001-2007 | ![]() |
Antoinette Marold | 2007-2013 | ![]() |
Tom Stricker | 2013-2016 2016-2019 | ![]() |
Christy Howard-Steele | 2019-2022 2022-2025 | ![]() |
Christopher Breen | 2025-2028 | ![]() |