If bigger is better then Fr. Mike Verschaeve pastor of St. Anne Parish has hit the jackpot.
Known to parishioners simply as Fr. Mike, he arrived at St. Anne Catholic Church in the summer of 2000 and for nearly three years served the growing congregation of about 900. Yet, this June the 52 year old priest will become the Pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, a parish of more than 3,000 members.
“They’re sending me for greater responsibility, yet it’s with great sadness that I leave Ortonville, it’s been such a strong faith community,” said Verschaeve. “All Christian denominations in this area seem to work together very well-I’ll truly miss all I’ve come to know.”
Verschaeve, grew up in a large family in northern Macomb and Oakland counties, attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, and the University of Detroit. Verschaeve was ordained on March 19, 1977 and served parishes in both Monroe and Downriver Detroit areas. Since 1991, he has also served as a chaplain to the Michigan State Police.
Fr. Bernard J. Mullen, 67, the current St. Joseph associate pastor at Lake Orion will replace Fr. Mike.
St. Joseph Parish and School is located at 715 N. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion.