Fr. John M. McKenzie
Education:
Academia Balthasar: 2003-2005
Università di Perugia: Italian, 2003
Completion in the French Language (Paris, France), 2008
B.A.: Conception Abbey Seminary College, 2012
M.Div & STB: Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2019
Field of Study: Theology & Philosophy
Research Interest: Leadership Models, Pastoral Ministry, Faith & Culture
Contact information:
Phone: +1 313.676.5755
Email: jmckenziefop@gmail.com
Biography:
I was born in Detroit, MI on January 4th, 1981 in Redford, MI. I attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church & School in Dearborn Heights, MI. At age 11 I was baptized into the Catholic Faith. During this time, I was around so many different types of people and colors. It forms who I am today.
In 1994 I moved to St. Louis, MO to live with my grandparents. Most of my mom’s immediate family members are/were there. I have many cousins there.
In 2001 I had a conversion experience. In 2003 I decided, with the assistance of my Spiritual Director, to enter a discernment house in Rome called the Casa Balthasar. After having finished the two-year program, I decided to enter the newly found Benedictine Community of Norcia, Italy.
During those years, I was sent to Paris to learn French as well as entering the program of Philosophy and Formation at Conception Abbey and Seminary College in Conception, MO.
In 2015, with the permission of my superiors, I lived four months at the ancient Abbey of Montecassino. After those four months I returned to Detroit, MI where I lived with my former confrere of seven years, Fr. Michael Suhy, now pastor of St. Louise de Marillac Parish.
In 2016, with the permission, blessing, and support of monastic superiors, I entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary. In these past three years I have served at three different parishes: 1. St. Louise de Marillac (Warren) 2. Corpus Christi (Detroit) 3. Our Lady of Refuge (Orchard Lake). All three entirely different communities of people, but all three I love so dearly and they love me!
On Saturday June 8, 2019 I was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ for the Archdiocese of Detroit, MI.
I was then appointed Parochial Vicar of the Solidum Team of Priests severing and residing at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. I also work closely with our Hispanic population as well as our Academy and High School Communities.
I co-hosted in the 2020 year a Webinar through the Archdiocese of Detroit called “Strong Faith-Vital Connections.” It’s a Webinar geared to the Black Catholic Community of Detroit, MI. I also host a bi-weekly Daily Mass reflection for the USCCB on Tuesdays. I am founder and producer of a Detroit based media platform, called Faith and Culture in the D. I’m chaplain to Mary’s Mantle which is one of my favorite ministries. It’s a formation house for homeless pregnant young women needing a place to stay.
Lastly, as of July 1st, 2022 I was appointed Priest in Solidum serving the parishes of Christ the King, St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven, St. Charles Luwanga, St. Peter Claver, and St. Moses the Black. I have primary responsibility at Christ the King Parish and School as well as St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven.