Atlas Twp.- Newly appointed Rev. Michael Kuchar feels like St. Mark is a ‘perfect fit.?
The new priest, ordained almost 30 years ago, acknowledged his recent five-year mission to impoverished Bolivia, El Salvador and Mexico sparked a positive side of his job to share with parishioners.
‘Even in real oppression, the people in those countries have a real sense of hope and happiness,? said Kuchar, 55.
‘I want to share that life is not perfect’and reflect on what my journey has been to other parts of the world.?
Reverend Michael Kuchar from Parochial Vicar (associate pastor) of Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson, Mich. was appointed as Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist in the township.
He will begin on July 1 and replaces Rev. Steven Anderson who will be moved to Good Shepherd, in Montrose. Fr. Anderson will continue as chaplain at Father Luke M. Powers Catholic High School, Flint. Anderson has been at St. Mark since the death of Sr. Joan May, SSJ, Pastoral Coordinator, Jan. 16.
‘I’m eager to start at St. Mark,? said Kuchar, an Owosso native who was ordained following studies at Michigan State University, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, University of Detroit and St. John Provincial Seminary. He has also served as parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist , Ypsilanti, Holy Family, Grand Blanc, Holy Redeemer, Burton, St. John the Evangelist, Jackson, and St. John Student Parish, East Lansing. He was ordained in 1980 at St. Mary’s in Lansing.
‘When I turned 50-years-old I realized it’s time to step out and go on the mission’it’s something I always wanted to do,? he said.
‘We are living in the ‘now? rather than the past or future. Appreciate the moment.?
Kuchar was also a chaplain of Southern Michigan Prison, Jackson. He has been pastor of St. Peter Apostle, Blissfield, Mich. and St. Therese of Lisieux, Lansing.