ABOUT US: Staff Profiles

Jump to Profile Fr. Randall Phillips Mary Dumm Stephen Petrunak Tim Doppel Vince Schembri Joseph Wilseck Claudia Messina Alice Doppel Janel Mariani Barb Ziarko Jackie Bugarin Diane Pilarski Ruth Whitesell Katie Anton Tina Rocco Greg McGrath

Last revised: May 27, 2009 2:52 PM

Reverend Randall Phillips, Pastor
Email - frphillips@stblase.org
Fr. Randy Phillips was ordained a priest on December 10, 1983, which is the feast day of Thomas Merton. Born and raised on the west side, Fr. Randy's home parish is St. Agatha in Redford. Following four years at Sacred Heart Seminary Fr. Randy was sent to Rome to study theology. This resulted in his earning a doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1988.

My vision of leadership is neither to be out in front pulling people along nor pushing from behind. I believe one leads from within the midst of the community. A continuous ring of concentric circles would be a good image of my style. I place a high priority on worship because the Sunday Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. This is where all ministry begins and to where all ministry returns. I also place a high priority on social justice, striving to seek first the Reign of God by standing with the poor, oppressed and the outcasts of our society and of our church.

In addition to serving as pastor, Randy is also an adjunct instructor of theology for Siena Heights University and for SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. Randy enjoys eating out, working out, reading, and is an avid Red Wing and Tigers fan.

 
Dr. Mary Dumm, Pastoral Associate
Email - marydumm@aol.com
Mary Dumm is our Pastoral Associate and comes to St. Blase after having ministered in the Archdiocese for twenty years. First as a High School teacher, then as a Director of Religious Formation and Pastoral Associate, Mary is committed to lay ministry in the Church. Mary's background is in Scripture, Liturgy and Sacraments. She was educated at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame and Sacred Heart Major Seminary and received her Doctorate in Ministry from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. Her dissertation is entitled, "Adult Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church: Conviction or Convention?"

I believe that each of us is called in some wonderful way to build up the Reign of God.

In addition to her ministry at St. Blase, Mary enjoys teaching for Siena Heights University.  Just for fun, she loves to read, work out and when there's time cross-stitch and just lay in the sun.

  Stephen Petrunak, Director Of Music
Email - steve.petrunak@stblase.org
Stephen Petrunak is the Director of Music at St. Blase Catholic Church. Stephen, a trained classical and jazz guitarist, has been involved in music ministry at St. Blase for over 30 years, having started as a teen playing in the 9:30 Folk Group. In July of 1994, Stephen became the Director of Music for the parish. St. Blase has a well-developed Music Program which includes five different music ministries, several accompanists, many talented cantors and over 150 ministering members. Stephen directs two of the music ministries within the Program the long-standing Remnant Music Ministry (a contemporary ensemble) and the Voices in Praise Choir (a 50 voice traditional choir). Reflections of Christ (another contemporary ensemble), Teens Loving Christ (a teen music ministry) and Kingdom Chorus (a children's choir) utilize other directors which Stephen oversees. The vision of music ministry at St. Blase includes the fullest sharing of gifts and talents of members of all ages from within the community. We strongly believe that the sung prayer belongs first and foremost to the community, and participation by all worshipping members is of greatest importance. The mentoring of youth in music ministry is also of highest priority.

Steve Petrunak was one of this year’s nominees for the 2009 GMA Dove Award’s Instrumental Album of the Year for his collection "Love beyond All Measure".

Tim Doppel, Parish Business Manager
Email - tim.doppel@stblase.org Picture to follow
I have been a member of St. Blase since I was in elementary school and I am proud to call St. Blase "home". After many years operating my own business, it is my honor to serve as the Parish Business Manager. I am responsible for monitoring the Parish budget and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our dynamic parish. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work hard to provide the services you need and keep our building and grounds a place you can be proud of and a fitting tribute to the generosity of our Lord. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Vince Schembri, Service Coordinator
Email - vince.schembri@stblase.org Picture to follow
Vince is well known in our parish and serves in many different ministries.
His job is to help coordinate many of the services and activities in the parish.
Vince is also asked to assist Dr. Mary Dumm and Fr. Randy in whatever might be needed. One reality of the priest shortage is the inability to follow-up with people in some situations because, more often than not, another critical need is calling for the pastor's attention. Vince's presence helps alleviate some of these predicaments.

Joseph Wilseck, Coordinator of RCIA,
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Email - joe.wilseck@stblase.org
I have been a member of Saint Blase since 1985. I started in the RCIA program and was baptized and confirmed at the Easter Vigil and the following September started as a volunteer Youth Minister. I received my catechist certification in 1986 and continued for seven years in that ministry. I took one year off and then served as a volunteer in the RCIA program for six seasons. I have been in the manufacturing management workforce for 28 years with the last 16 years as a Human Resource Director for an international robotics manufacturer.

As the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for Saint Blase, I will be responsible for the programs and activities for 9th through 12th grade teens. This will include seasonal retreats, weekly meetings and intermittent activities and service projects. The Young Adult Ministry will be active in connecting with other churches and organizations throughout the archdiocese to establish and promote activities for young adults from the ages of 18 to 35. These events and programs will offer them opportunities to contribute to many church activities and mix & mingle with others in a healthy and wholesome environment. These activities will include service, social, and educational activities. I am really looking forward to using my professional and volunteer skills for the benefit of these ministries. I welcome all letters, e-mails, and phone calls from participants and parents.

 
Claudia Messina, Coordinator of Grades 6-8 & Confirmation
Email - claudia.messina@stblase.org
Hi! My name is Claudia Messina and I work with the Middle School youth of St. Blase Parish. My husband John and I have been parishioners here since 1971. This is where we have raised our four children, and now our grandchildren are also growing up as part of the St. Blase family. I began my ministry as a volunteer here when my children were young. I became part of the staff in 1986 by working with the 7th and 8th grade youngsters. Since that time I have taken several classes and workshops and am now certified as a Level III coordinator with the Archdiocese of Detroit.

At the present time I coordinated the catechism and youth ministry program for young people in grades six, seven, and eight, as well as coordinating the preparation process for the sacrament of Confirmation for ninth grade and up. The programs are fun and interesting for the young adolescents. There is a diverse group of adults who give their time and energy to work with this very energetic, exciting group of young people. It continues to amaze and inspire me that these youngsters, ages 11-14, have such deep faith and true spirituality. Working with this age group gives me hope and causes my own faith to be challenged and grow. I welcome comments and questions regarding any components in the program from parents, as well as others who may wish to become part of the team, or may just be curious about what we do.


Alice Doppel, Family Faith (Grades 1 - 5) Coordinator
Email - alice.doppel@stblase.org
Alice Doppel is the coordinator for our parish's Family Faith Formation program (Grades 1-5) and Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation programs. Previously, Alice was the coordinator of the monthly Early Childhood program, coordinator of Summer Circle, coordinator of Children's Liturgy of the Word and was the director of the children's Kingdom Chorus for 11 years.
Because of her musical background, Alice can also be seen accompanying at the piano for occasional weekend liturgies. Alice is the proud mother of David (and his wife Nicole), Matthew and Christopher, and wife of Tim Doppel. Her hobbies include flower gardening, travel, biking and walking.

Janel Mariani, Early Childhood Coordinator
Email - janel.mariani@stblase.org bio & picture to follow


Barb Ziarko, Summer Circle Coordinator & Evenings & Weekend Receptionist
Email - barb.ziarko@stblase.org bio & picture to follow

 
Jackie Bugarin, Bookkeeper/Secretary
Email - jackie.bugarin@stblase.org
Jackie Bugarin is the Bookkeeper/Secretary for the parish. She started back in 1983 as a co-op for High School in the Religious Formation Department. When she graduated from High School, the parish hired her full time to work in the main office. She has worked for St. Blase for 18 years. In 1999 she was given the opportunity to advance to the bookkeeping position. When you don't see her in the main office doing her secretarial duties, more than likely she is in the basement of the Rectory doing the bookkeeping. She also volunteers her time as a Lector, Newcomer's Sunday, Fellowship Committee, and Children's Liturgy of the Word.



Diane Pilarski, Secretary/"The Flame" Bulletin Editor
Email - diane.pilarski@stblase.org bio & picture to follow

Ruth Whitesell, Secretary

Katie Anton, Secretary
Email - katie.anton@stblase.org

Tina Rocco, Secretary
Email - tina.sipes@stblase.org

 
Greg McGrath, Maintenance Manager
Email - maxfly999@gmail.com
Greg started working at St. Blase in August of 2008. After 38 years of sitting behind a desk at a local bank, he decided to switch careers. When asked, “How do you know what to do as maintenance manager?” he responds, “I just look around the building and grounds and when I see something that needs to be done – I do it!” Greg considers working at St. Blase a true pleasure, enjoying all the staff and parishioner relationships. He and his wife Kathy have been blessed with four children and three grandchildren.

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St. Blase   12151 E. Fifteen Mile Rd.   Sterling Heights, MI 48312   Phone: (586) 268-2244