Release: Deacon Michael M. Steffes of Portland to be welcomed by Diocese of Grand Rapids as its newe

WHO: Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids, will ordain one man to the priesthood, Deacon Michael M. Steffes Jr.

WHAT: Mass with the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2. The public is invited to attend

WHERE: Cathedral of Saint Andrew

301 Sheldon Blvd.

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Editor’s Note: Father Ron Hutchinson, director of the Office of Priestly Vocations,

will be available beginning at 9:40 a.m. for interviews.

Deacon Michael Steffes Jr. will be available for interviews following ordination.

The Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website (dioceseofgrandrapids.org) and on the diocesan Facebook page.

Biography: Deacon Michael M. Steffes Jr., 29, is the son of Mike (Rhonda) Steffes and Mary Kay (Tom) Schmitz of St. Patrick Parish, Portland. His siblings are: Jacob, Joseph and Naomi; his stepsiblings are: Natalie, Tim, Josh, Georgia and Samantha. Deacon Steffes attended the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he received a degree in philosophy in 2014. He received his Master of Divinity in spring 2018 from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois. He completed his pastoral internship at Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Rockford, under the guidance of Father Anthony Russo. He was ordained a transitional deacon on May 9, 2017. This past year, he served as a deacon at St. Joseph Parish, Libertyville, Illinois, under the guidance of Father John Trout.

Bishop Walkowiak announced that, following ordination, Deacon Steffes will serve as parochial vicar (assistant pastor) of the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Grand Rapids.

Father Michael will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 140 Church St., Portland, Michigan.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids serves more than 191,000 Catholics, 81 parishes and 30 schools in an 11-county area of West Michigan. For additional information visit our website www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org. Connect with the diocese on Facebook (Diocese of Grand Rapids), Twitter (@GRDiocese) and Instagram (@GRDiocese).