ABOUT US: Staff Profiles

Jump to Profile Fr. Randall Phillips Mary Dumm Stephen Petrunak James Sossi Vince Schembri Joseph Wilseck Claudia Messina Patricia Pakizer Alice Doppel Jackie Bugarin Diane Pilarski Ruth Whitesell Katie Anton Tina Sipes David Samulski

Last revised: July 21, 2007 11:18 AM

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 recently (2006) completed her Doctorate in Ministry at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit.

I believe that God calls each of us to some wonderful way to build up His Reign. Baptism is the beginning of our response to God's call.

In addition to her ministry at St. Blase Mary enjoys teaching for Siena Heights University in the Lansing Diocese and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. 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.

James Sossi, Parish Business Manager
Email - jim.sossi@stblase.org

Vince Schembri, Service Coordinator
Email - vince.schembri@stblase.org
Vince Schembri is well known in our parish. He serves as a Sacristan, Communion Minister, MCREST Volunteer and Wake Ministry Coordinator, just to name a few of his ministries. Vince joins us in a part-time capacity and assist me, Jim Sossi and Mary Dumm. One reality of the priest shortage that really bothers me is my inability to follow-up with people. With rare exception, a priest today is present for the crisis moment, but is unable to follow-up because, more often than not, another critical need is calling for attention. Vince's presence will help to alleviate this predicament.

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.

Patricia Pakizer, Coordinator of Family Program - Grades 1-5, Eucharist & Reconciliation
Email - pat.pakizer@stblase.org
Along with my husband, Ron, I have been a member of the St. Blase Community since 1971. We are proud parents of two young adults. Since 1985, the year I began as a volunteer in ministry, I find myself continually growing in the desire to share our faith and developing my leadership skills. I have an Undergraduate Diploma in Pastoral Ministry from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I began my ministry by offering my time and talents to co-coordinate the Early Childhood program and co-direct Summer Circle (St. Blasé's version of a vacation Bible School). Within in a few years I became a staff member and accepted the responsibility to coordinate both programs. In June of 1999, I accepted the position to coordinate our parish's Family Faith Formation program and Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation programs. St. Blase is a dynamic community possessing a multitude of gifted people. I am extremely blessed to have the privilege to minister in and with this community to proclaim the good news.
 

Alice Doppel, Early Childhood P3-K5 Coordinator &
Summer Circle
Email - alice.doppel@stblase.org
Alice Doppel is the coordinator of the monthly Early Childhood program called Family Moments and coordinator of Summer Circle Coordinator (VBS), the week-long bible adventure at the end of June. Because of her musical background, Alice can also be seen accompanying at the piano for weekend liturgies or funerals. Previously, Alice was the coordinator of Children’s Liturgy of the Word for 10 years and director of the children’s Kingdom Chorus for 11 years. Alice is the proud mother of three wonderful sons, David, Matthew and Christopher, and wife of Tim Doppel. Hobbies include flower gardening, learning the violin, biking and walking.
 

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

Ruth Whitesell, Secretary

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

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

David Samulski, Building Maintenance
Dave has been a familiar face to everyone at St. Blase for 24 years. (He says with a smile that he has outlasted everyone!) Dave is in charge of the daytime maintenance and room set ups for the many and varied programs offered at St. Blase. Although a contract service assists Dave with cleaning, he is the only person on staff that cares for the building during the day. He oversees the maintenance schedules for all equipment in the physical plant made up of the large building and complex that is St. Blase facility. Dave coordinates the many needs of our large staff and volunteers. To appreciate Dave, you need to spend some time in his wood working shop and enjoy his fine craftsmanship. Although just a hobby, he could put many a professional to shame.

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