50th Ordination
MSGR. JOHN J. BORCIC
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Saint Louis University, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Biology and history teacher, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, 1975-83
Associate pastor, Epiphany of Our Lord, St. Louis, 1976-81
Associate pastor, Ste. Genevieve du Bois, Warson Woods, 1981
Associate pastor, Holy Innocents, St. Louis, 1981-83
Associate pastor, Ste. Genevieve, Ste. Genevieve, 1983-86
Principal, Valle Catholic High School, 1983-86
Associate pastor, St. James the Greater, St. Louis, 1986-88
Associate pastor, St. Clare of Assisi, Ellisville, 1988-92
Assistant principal, John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, Manchester, 1988-90
Pastor, St. John the Baptist, St. Louis, 1992-96
Senior associate pastor, Mary, Queen of Peace, Webster Groves, 1996-2001
Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul, Dutzow, 2001-05
In residence, St. Roch, St. Louis, 2005-08
Executive director, archdiocesan Catholic Youth Apostolate, 2005-12
Director of spiritual formation, Office of the Permanent Diaconate, 2005-12
Formation director, spiritual director and adjunct professor, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, 2006-18
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Louis, 2008-20
Retired, 2020
About Msgr. Borcic: Msgr. Borcic served as chaplain to the St. Louis Fire Department and Metro West Fire Department and was a part-time chaplain at the former Deaconness Hospital. He also served on the Priests Council and was a confessor for the Passionist Nuns. Msgr. Borcic served as board member with the archdiocesan Board of Education, St. Mary’s Special Services, the St. Louis Archdiocesan Fund and the Archbishop’s Charity Fund. A fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as a state chaplain with the Knights and currently is a member of Bishop’s Council #10490. Msgr. Borcic has long been involved with Scouts and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, along with other recognitions, including the Order of the Arrow, Ad Altare Dai Award, Bronze Pelican and St. George Emblem. Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Borcic chaplain of his holiness, with the title of monsignor, in 2008.
FATHER LAWRENCE C. BRENNAN
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary, DeAndreis Institute of Theology, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas
Ordination: Dec. 18, 1976, by Bishop Edward T. O’Meara at St. Catherine Laboure Church in Sappington
Service in the archdiocese: Theology instructor, St. Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary, Perryville, 1976-78
Worship director, St. Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary, Perryville, 1977-78
Professor of systematic theology, Kenrick School of Theology, 1987-2009 and 2016-18
Director, Vincentian Initiation Program, St. Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary, summers of 1987-90
Academic dean, Kenrick School of Theology, 1989-2002 and 2004-09
Instructor, Paul VI Catechetical and Pastoral Institute, 1989-2007
Part-time associate pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, University City, 1994-97
In residence, Mary, Queen of the Universe, Lemay, 1997-2000
In residence, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, 2000-10
Formation advisor, Kenrick School of Theology, 2004-09
Vice rector, Kenrick School of Theology, 2004-09
Instructor, diaconate formation program, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 2001-08
Academic dean, Cardinal Glennon College, 2007-09
Retired, 2022
Service outside of the archdiocese: Assistant professor of theology, DeAndreis Institute of Theology, Lemont, Illinois, 1981-84
Director of admissions, DeAndreis Institute of Theology, Lemont, Illinois, 1982-84
Academic dean, St. Thomas Theological Seminary, Denver, Colorado, 1984-85
Assistant professor of theology, St. Thomas Theological Seminary, Denver, Colorado, 1984-87
Spiritual director to priests, Diocese of Memphis, Tennessee, 1995-2008
Director, continuing formation for priests, Diocese of Colorado Springs, 2010-16, 2019-22
Director, permanent diaconate formation program, Diocese of Colorado Springs, 2010-16, 2019-22
About Father Brennan: Father Brennan was ordained for the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and was incardinated as a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 1994. He was a member of the Commission on Faith and Order for the National Council of Churches, representing the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, USCCB and was a consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Dialogue with Non-Believers in Rome. He served on several editorial boards, including the St. Louis Review in the 1990s. He also served on several accreditation committees for the Association of Theological Schools and was a theological consultant to Bishop Terry Steib as an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis and as bishop of Memphis. In retirement, he continues to teach courses for the diaconate formation program and assists with Masses at parishes and convents.
FATHER RICHARD V. COERVER
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bishop DuBourg High School, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Sebastian, Glen Owen, 1976-80
Faculty, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 1980-91 (merged with Mercy High School in 1985 to become St. Thomas Aquinas-Mercy High School)
Part-time associate pastor, St. Blaise, Maryland Heights, 1980-88
Part-time associate pastor, Christ the King, University City, 1988-91
Associate pastor, St. Joseph, Cottleville, 1991-95
Pastor, St. Bridget of Kildare, Pacific, 1995-2003
Pastor, St. James, Catawissa, 2002-03
Pastor, St. Mary of Perpetual Help, Moselle, 2002-03
Pastor, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 2003-13
Pastor, St. Ann, Clover Bottom, 2009-13
Senior associate pastor, Assumption, Mattese, 2013-15
Pastor, St. John the Beloved Disciple, Imperial, 2015-23
Senior associate pastor, St. Clement of Rome, Des Peres, 2023-present
About Father Coerver: Father Coerver served as dean of the Festus Deanery from 2022-23.
MSGR. DENNIS M. DELANEY
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Sacred Heart, Florissant, 1976-78
Associate pastor, Saint Louis Cathedral, 1978-88
Master of ceremonies, Saint Louis Cathedral, 1978-88
Associate pastor, St. Martin de Porres, Hazelwood, 1988-92
Pastor, St. Richard, Creve Coeur, 1992-94
Director of the Office of Communications and editor of the St. Louis Review, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1994-1999
In residence, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Louis, 1994-99
Pastor, St. Joseph, Clayton, 1999-2000
Rector, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, 1999-2002
Vicar for Pastoral Planning, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 2002-07
Moderator of the Curia, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 2002-07
Pastor, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Pro-Cathedral, St. Louis, 2002-23
Director, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, 2007-present
Rector, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Pro-Cathedral, 2023-present
About Msgr. Delaney: Pope John Paul II named Msgr. Delaney a prelate of honor, with the title of monsignor, in 1995.
FATHER MARK A. DOLAN
Birthplace: Salem, Missouri
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Mary Magdalen, Brentwood, 1976-80
Associate pastor, St. Hedwig, St. Louis, 1980-82
Part-time associate pastor, St. Jerome, Bissell Hills, 1982-87
Faculty, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-North, 1982-87
Associate pastor, St. Ambrose, St. Louis, 1987-94
Director, Vocations Office, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1991-95
Part-time associate pastor, St. Boniface, St. Louis, 1994-95
Pastor, St. Jerome, Bissell Hills, 1995-2005
Pastor, Annunciation, Webster Groves, 2005-10
Pastor, Our Lady of the Presentation, Overland, 2010-23
Retired, 2023
CARDINAL TIMOTHY M. DOLAN
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Pontifical North American College (Pontifical University of St. Thomas), The Catholic University of America
Ordination: June 19, 1976, by Bishop Edward T. O’Meara at Holy Infant Church in Ballwin
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Immacolata, Richmond Heights, 1976-79
Associate pastor, Little Flower, Richmond Heights, 1985-87
Faculty, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, 1992-94
Vicar general, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 2001-02
In residence, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 2001-02
Auxiliary bishop, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 2001-02
Service outside the archdiocese: Graduate studies, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., 1979-85
In residence, St. Elizabeth, Kansas City, Missouri, 1982-83
Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., 1987-92
Rector, North American College, Rome, 1994-2001
Archbishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2002-09
Archbishop of New York, 2009-25
President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 2010-13
Elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, 2012
Retired, 2025
MSGR. RICHARD E. HANNEKE
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Bishop DuBourg High School, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Simon, Green Park, 1976-79
Associate pastor, Ste. Genevieve du Bois, Warson Woods, 1979-81
Part-time associate pastor, St. Bernadette, Lemay, 1981-83
Director, Radio & Television Apostolate, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1981-94
Part-time associate pastor, All Souls, Overland, 1983-89
Part-time associate pastor, Our Lady of Mercy, Hazelwood, 1989-91
Part-time associate pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, University City, 1991-93
Pastor, St. Jude, Overland, 1993-94
Pastor, St. Clare of Assisi, Ellisville, 1994-2005
In residence, St. Stephen Protomartyr, St. Louis, 2005-11
Vicar, Priest Personnel, 2005-14
Temporary parochial administrator, Our Lady of Lourdes, Washington, 2008-09
Temporary parochial administrator, St. Cecilia, St. Louis, 2011-12
Administrator, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Crestwood, 2012-14
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, University City, 2014-23
Retired, 2023
About Msgr. Hanneke: Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Hanneke a chaplain of his holiness, with the title of monsignor, in 2008.
FATHER DENNY M. SCHAAB
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, Florissant, 1976-81
Associate pastor, Christ Prince of Peace, Manchester, 1981-82
Part-time associate pastor, Saint Louis Cathedral, 1982-85
Associate director, Vocations Office, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1982-91
Part-time associate pastor, St. George, Gardenville, 1985-86
Dean of formation, Cardinal Glennon College, 1985-91
Faculty, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, 1991-94
Associate pastor, Holy Redeemer, Webster Groves, 1994-95
Pastor, Annunciation, Webster Groves, 1995-2005
Pastor, Sacred Heart, Valley Park, 2005-16
Senior associate pastor, Immacolata, Richmond Heights, 2016-19
Retired, 2019
About Father Schaab: Spending time with family and traveling with family and friends has been a priority for Father Schaab. In retirement, he assists with celebrating Masses at Immacolata and at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre. While serving as pastor at Sacred Heart in Valley Park, he was instrumental in establishing the ACTS retreat ministry, which still thrives there today.
FATHER LEO J. SPEZIA
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Francis de Sales, St. Louis, 1976-79
Associate pastor, St. Rita, Vinita Park, 1979-83
Director, Family Life Commission, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1982-83
Part-time associate pastor, St. Dominic Savio, Affton, 1983-86
Part-time associate pastor, Sacred Heart, Valley Park, 1986-89
Pastor, St. Jude, Overland, 1989-93
Pastor, St. Patrick, Wentzville, 1993-2000
Senior associate pastor, St. John the Baptist, St. Louis, 2000-11
Senior associate pastor, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Louis, 2011-12
Senior associate pastor, Most Sacred Heart, Eureka, 2012-25
Retired in residence, Most Sacred Heart, Eureka, 2025
About Father Spezia: Since 1981, Father Spezia has served as a chaplain for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as fire departments and fire protection districts. He said that first responders are also family to him in giving service to God’s people and protecting and guarding people and their property.
MSGR. MICHAEL E. TUREK
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary, Boston College
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Ste. Genevieve, Ste. Genevieve, 1976-81
Faculty, Valle Catholic High School, 1976-81
Part-time associate pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, University City, 1981-87
Faculty, Mercy High School, 1981-85
Faculty, Rosati-Kain High School, 1985-90
Associate pastor, Holy Cross, St. Louis, 1987-90
Pastor, St. Ann, Clover Bottom, 1990-91
Administrator, St. Francis Borgia High School, Washington, 1990-97
Part-time associate pastor, St. Ann, Clover Bottom, 1991-97
Pastor, St. Norbert, Florissant, 1997-2003
Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, St. Louis, 2003-15
Pastor, Christ the King, University City, 2015-25
Canonical pastor, St. Rita, Vinita Park, 2018-23
Pastor, St. Joseph, Clayton, 2023-25
Retired in residence, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Louis, 2025
About Msgr. Turek: In 1993, Msgr. Turek earned a master’s in education from Boston College. Pope John Paul II named him a chaplain of his holiness, with the title of monsignor, in 2003. He received the Great Preacher Award from Aquinas Institute of Theology in 2013 and is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He served on a number of boards, including Aquinas Institute of Theology, Fontbonne University, Incarnate Word Academy and Vianney High School. He also was dean of the South City Deanery, Mid-County Deanery and Northern Vicariate Deanery 1.
FATHER JOSEPH A. WEBER
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis University High School, Michigan State University, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Timothy, Affton, 1976-79
Associate pastor, Our Lady of the Presentation, Overland, 1979-80
Associate pastor, Good Shepherd, Ferguson, 1980-85
Chaplain, Florissant Valley Jr. College Newman Center, 1982-85
Associate pastor, St. John Bosco, Maryland Heights, 1985
Associate pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle, Florissant, 1985-91
Associate pastor, Christ Prince of Peace, Manchester, 1991-92
Associate pastor, Assumption, O’Fallon, 1992
Pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary, New Melle, 1992-2001
Administrator, Immaculate Conception, Augusta, 1994-95
Pastor, St. Andrew, Lemay, 2001-04
Pastor, St. Justin Martyr, Sunset Hills, 2004-16
Temporary parochial administrator, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Crestwood, 2008-09
Administrator, St. Louis Byzantine Church, St. Louis, 2013-present
Pastor, St. Monica, Creve Coeur, 2016-20
Pastor, St. John Bosco, Maryland Heights, 2020-23
Senior associate pastor, St. Monica, Creve Coeur, 2023
Retired, 2023
About Father Weber: Father Weber served as a chaplain with the Missouri Air National Guard, and in part-time service for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, from June 1984 to May 2016. Among his many assignments, he was deployed three times to the Middle East after 9/11, including assignments in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Pakistan. He also was Air National Guard assistant to the command chaplain of Air Mobility Command and NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and USNORTHCOM (United States Northern Command). Father Weber has long been involved with ministry to Catholic Scouting America, including serving on the board of the International Catholic Conference on Scouting for seven years.
FATHER JOSEPH E. WORMEK
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-South, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 22, 1976, by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Holy Innocents, St. Louis, 1976-79
Associate pastor, Mary, Queen of the Universe, Lemay, 1979-83
Associate pastor, Good Shepherd, Ferguson, 1987-92
Associate pastor, Christ Prince of Peace, Manchester, 1992-94
Pastor, Christ Prince of Peace, Manchester, 1994-2004
Sabbatical, 2004-06
Senior associate pastor, Holy Trinity, St. Ann, 2006-07
Senior associate pastor, St. Peter, St. Charles, 2007-08
Pastor, Sacred Heart, Crystal City, 2008-13
Pastor, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Herculaneum, 2011-13
Senior associate pastor, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 2013-14
Pastor, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 2014-20
Senior associate pastor, All Saints, St. Peters, 2020-25
Retired, 2025
Service outside of the archdiocese: Latin America Apostolate, La Paz, Bolivia, 1983-87
About Father Wormek: Father Wormek served as dean of the Southwest Deanery and Festus Deanery. He is part of the mission team from All Saints Parish that helps Barefoot Children Ministries in Belize. He also is a part-time chaplain at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles and Lake St. Louis.
60th Ordination
FATHER JOHN J. JOHNSON
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Chaminade College Preparatory School, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary, Saint Louis University
Ordination: March 26, 1966, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese:
Associate pastor, Immaculate Conception, Union, 1966-67
Associate pastor, St. Joseph, Farmington, 1967-71
Faculty, John F. Kennedy High School, Manchester, 1971-79
Associate pastor, Immacolata, Richmond Heights, 1972-77
Part-time associate pastor, Holy Infant, Ballwin, 1977-79
Associate pastor, Annunziata, 1979-80
Associate pastor, St. Thomas of Aquin, St. Louis, 1980-81
Associate pastor, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Bridgeton, 1981-85
Pastor, Ste. Genevieve, Ste. Genevieve, 1991-97
Pastor, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, St. Louis, 1997-2002
Pastor, St. James the Greater, St. Louis, 2002-04
Retired in residence, St. Justin Martyr, Sunset Hills, 2014-22
Retired, 2022
Service outside the archdiocese: In service at St. George, Linn, Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, 1985-91
FATHER MARTIN K. MANNION
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: March 26, 1966, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Patrick, St. Louis, 1966-70
Associate pastor, Assumption, Mattese, 1970
Associate pastor, St. Louise de Marillac, Jennings, 1975-76
Administrator, St. Liborius, St. Louis, 1976-80
Administrator, St. Adalbert, 1980-82
In residence, Nativity of Our Lord, St. Louis, 1980-82
Associate pastor, St. John the Baptist, St. Louis, 1982-86
Associate pastor, St. Michael the Archangel, Shrewsbury, 1986
Temporary administrator, St. Thomas of Aquin, St. Louis, 1987-88
Associate pastor, St. James the Greater, St. Louis, 1988
Pastor, St. James the Greater, St. Louis, 1988-91
Senior associate pastor, St. Matthias, Lemay, 1994
Chaplain, St. Vincent Home, 1995-98
Senior associate pastor, St. Bridget of Kildare, Pacific, 2002-03
Senior associate pastor, St. James, Catawissa, 2002-03
Senior associate pastor, St. Mary of Perpetual Help, Moselle, 2002-03
In residence, St. Michael the Archangel, Shrewsbury, 2003-07
Retired, 2007
Service outside the archdiocese: Service to the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1991-93
Service to the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, 1998-2002
About Father Mannion: In retirement, Father Mannion helped as a sacramental minister at Most Holy Trinity Church in St. Louis and with the Little Sisters of the Poor Residence in St. Louis until the sisters’ departure in 2018. Father Mannion said he’s enjoyed being a parish priest and especially being with the people and working with the poor.
FATHER GERALD A. MEIER
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: March 26, 1966, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, St. Louis, 1966-69
Associate pastor, North American Martyrs, Florissant, 1969-73
Part-time associate pastor, Our Lady, Festus, 1973-85
Theology teacher, St. Pius X High School, Festus, 1973-85
Associate pastor, St. Cecilia, St. Louis, 1981-82
Part-time associate pastor, St. Joseph, Josephville, 1982-83
Part-time associate pastor, All Saints, St. Peters, 1983-89
Administrator, St. Dominic High School, O’Fallon, 1982-89
Pastor, St. Stephen Protomartyr, St. Louis, 1989-97
Pastor, Mary Queen of Peace, Webster Groves, 1997-2010
Pastor, St. Dominic Savio, Affton, 2010-13
Senior associate pastor, Holy Spirit, Maryland Heights, 2013-16
Retired, 2016
About Father Meier: Father Meier served on the Priest Personnel Board several times. He also did graduate studies in theology at Notre Dame University and Saint Louis University. In retirement, he enjoys helping with Masses at parishes in the archdiocese and offering spiritual direction and assists as a confessor at retreats. Father Meier said he enjoyed teaching in high school and watching his students mature.
MSGR. WALTER M. WHITED
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: March 26, 1966, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle, Florissant, 1966-72
Associate pastor, St. Clement of Rome, Des Peres, 1972-73
Associate pastor, Sts. John and James, Ferguson, 1973-78
Associate pastor, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Charles, 1978-82
Associate pastor, Sacred Heart, Crystal City, 1982-88
Pastor, St. Joseph, Cottleville, 1988-2004
Pastor, Immacolata, Richmond Heights, 2004-11
Senior associate pastor, All Saints, St. Peters, 2011-15
Retired, 2015
About Msgr. Whited: Msgr. Whited said he’s especially grateful for his time as pastor at St. Joseph in Cottleville, where he was instrumental in building a new church as the parish experienced a boom in population. He described his priesthood as enjoyable and fulfilling. “People were kind to me,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed every assignment I’ve had.”
65th Ordination
MSGR. JAMES E. HANSON
Birthplace: Old Mines
Education: St. Joachim High School, Potosi High School, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College
Ordination: March 18, 1961, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese:
Associate pastor, St. Dismas, Florissant, 1961-69
Associate pastor, St. Lucy, Jennings, 1969-71
Associate pastor, St. Joan of Arc, St. Louis, 1971-79
Associate pastor, St. Luke the Evangelist, Richmond Heights, 1979-81
Pastor, Sacred Heart, Elsberry, 1981-86
Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Dardenne Prairie, 1986-94
Pastor, St. Joseph, Zell, 1994-2010
Retired, 2010
About Father Hanson: He was twice dean of the Ste. Genevieve Deanery. Pope John Paul II named him a prelate of honor, with the title of monsignor, in 1995. Msgr. Hanson also was involved with the Legion of Mary. During his time as pastor at Immaculate Conception, the parish experienced a considerable growth in population and he oversaw renovations of the old church and added more Mass times to accommodate the growth. He said he is thankful for his priesthood and said it has been rewarding to serve the people of God.
MSGR. ROBERT P. JOVANOVIC
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary, Saint Louis University
Ordination: March 18, 1961, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Immaculate Conception, Arnold, 1961-63
Associate pastor, St. Rose of Lima, De Soto, 1963-66
Associate pastor, St. Martin of Tours, Lemay, 1966-70
Part-time associate pastor, St. Hedwig, St. Louis, 1970-71
Part-time associate pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Louis, 1971-73
Part-time associate pastor, Mary Queen of Peace, Webster Groves, 1973-75
Administrator and teacher, Duchesne High School, 1975-83
Part-time associate pastor, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles, 1975-76
Part-time associate pastor, St. Cletus, St. Charles, 1976-83
Pastor, Sacred Heart, Crystal City, 1983-91
Pastor, Queen of All Saints, Oakville, 1991-2004
Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Charles, 2004-16
Retired, 2016
About Msgr. Jovanovic: Msgr. Jovanovic also taught at St. Pius X High School in Festus and Bishop DuBourg High School in St. Louis. He served on the archdiocesan Council of Priests and the archdiocesan College of Consultors and helped coordinate hospitality for the priests’ convocation for more than 20 years. He was dean of the Southeast County Deanery. Pope John Paul II named him a prelate of honor, with the title of monsignor, in 1995. Of his priesthood, “I loved the people first — the paperwork could always come later,” Msgr. Jovanovic said. “Standing outside the church to meet and greet people after Mass was important to me. I always wanted to get to know the people and enjoyed that.”
FATHER PAUL J. SPIELMAN
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary, Saint Louis University
Ordination: March 18, 1961, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, St. Dominic Savio, Affton, 1961-66
Part-time associate pastor, St. Clement of Rome, Des Peres, 1966-74
Associate pastor, St. Matthias, Lemay, 1974-77
Part-time associate pastor, Holy Family, St. Louis, 1977-83
Faculty, Rosati-Kain High School, St. Louis, 1977-96
Part-time associate pastor, St. Rita, Vinita Park, 1983-96
Senior associate pastor, St. Andrew, Lemay, 1996-99
Pastor, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1999-2005
Administrator, St. Mary of Victories, St. Louis, 1999-2005
Chaplain, St. John Nepomuk Chapel, St. Louis, 2005-10
Chaplain, St. Mary of Victories Chapel, St. Louis, 2005-10
Retired, 2010
About Father Spielman: At St. John Nepomuk and St. Mary of Victories, Father Spielman enjoyed learning the Czech and Hungarian languages, adding to his knowledge of German. He had been helping with Masses at Our Lady of Life Apartments and at St. Bernadette and Little Flower parishes until the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. He said he’s most proud of his master’s degree in sacred Scripture, which aided him as he taught the Old and New Testament to high school students.
FATHER BERNARD J. WILKINS
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Kenrick Seminary, Saint Louis University
Ordination: March 18, 1961, by Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, All Souls, Overland, 1961-69
Associate pastor, St. Gabriel, St. Louis, 1969-78
Associate pastor, St. Aloysius, Spanish Lake, 1978-80
Pastor, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 1980-87
Pastor, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Charles, 1987-94
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalen, Brentwood, 1994-2009
Retired, 2009
About Father Wilkins: Father Wilkins said he has enjoyed being a parish priest and loved all of his assignments over the years. “I’d do it all over in the same way,” he said. “I’ve loved the people everywhere I’ve gone.”
70th Ordination
FATHER JAMES. W SCHAEFER
Birthplace: East St. Louis, Illinois
Education: St. Mary’s High School, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: March 17, 1956 by Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter at the Saint Louis Cathedral
Service in the archdiocese: Associate pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Louis, 1956-58
Faculty, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, St. Louis, 1958-63
Associate pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1963-69
Teacher, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-North, St. Louis, 1969-75
Part-time associate pastor, St. Ferdinand, Florissant, 1969-70
Part-time associate pastor, St. Dismas, Florissant, 1970-75
Pastor, Holy Innocents, St. Louis, 1975-83
Pastor, St. Norbert, Florissant, 1983-97
Pastor, Sacred Heart, Ozora, 1997-2023
Retired, 2023
About Father Schaefer: Father Schaefer was one of the longest serving pastors in the archdiocese, having served at Sacred Heart in Ozora for more than 25 years. As a pastor and teacher, Father Schaefer said he’s loved his priesthood.
