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
* 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 Manseau1976-1980
James Dooley1980-1982 
Paul Schlesinger1984-1988 
Gerald Grudzen
Marita Grudzen
1990-1992
Joseph Ruane1992-1996
William Leahy1996-1997*
Joseph Ruane1997
Michael McFadden1998 
Tom Leonhardt
Carolyn Horvath
1998-1999
Joseph Ruane1999-2001
Paula Fangman
Tom Fangman
2001
Paul Reithmaier
Jan Reithmaier
2001-2007
Antoinette Marold2007-2013
Tom Stricker2013-2016
2016-2019
Christy Howard-Steele2019-2022
2022-2025
Christopher Breen2025-2028