Rev. John M. McKenzie
Contact Information:
16805 Pierson Street, Detroit, MI 48219
+1 (313) 532-1211
jmckenzie@christthekingschooldetroit.org
LinkedIn: @Rev. John M. McKenzie
A Brief Dossier
A Brief Look at My Life:
Born in Detroit, MI, on January 4, 1981, and baptized into the Catholic Faith at age 11. I attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church & School in Dearborn Heights, MI, and moved to St. Louis, MO, in 1994. After a conversion experience in 2001, I entered a discernment house in Rome called the Casa Balthasar in 2003. Later, I joined the Benedictine Community of Norcia, Italy, and studied Philosophy and Formation at Conception Abbey and Seminary College in Conception, MO.
I lived at the ancient Abbey of Montecasino in 2015 before returning to Detroit, MI. With the support of monastic superiors, I entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary in 2016 and served at three parishes: St. Louise de Marillac (Warren), Corpus Christi (Detroit), and Our Lady of Refuge (Orchard Lake). I was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 2019, and served as Associate Pastor at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica.
I founded and co-hosted a Webinar for the Black Catholic Community of Detroit, entitled Strong Faith, Vital Connections. Currently, I am Pastor/Priest in Solidum and President and Treasurer of Christ the King Catholic Church and School, and the D4Mission Family of Parishes. In 2023 I co-founded and co-executive produce a Podcast called The Father and Father Podcast with Jason Smith. I also serve on the Evangelization Task Force for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
A. Higher Education:
Sacred Heart Major Seminary: Detroit, MI
Degree: Master of Divinity
Year Graduated: 2019
Pontificio Università della Santa Croce: Rome, Italy
Degree: Theology
Year transferred 2016
Conception Abbey and Seminary College, Conception, MO
Program: Philosophy and Formation
Year Attended: 2008-2012
École de langue française: Paris, France
Program: French Immersion
Duration: 30 days
Year Completed: 2008
Academia Balthasar: Rome, Italy
Program: Christian Anthropology
Duration: Two-year program
Year Completed: 2005
B. Lower School:
McCluer High: Florissant, MO
Year Graduated: 2000
Work Experience:
Urban Music Marketing Company
Role: Senior Marketing Associate
Duration: Two Years
Responsibilities: Managed marketing campaigns for professional/national record labels for local markets.
Monastery Assignments (2005 - 2016)
Roles: Guest Master, Gift Shop Manager, Librarian, Donor Development Assistant, Children's Book Publisher, Birra Nursia: Worldwide Sales Manger for Ecclesiastical Institution (including Vatican City), Catechetical Instructor.
Sacred Heart Major Seminary (2016 - 2019)
Roles: Hospitality Coordinator, Work Study Program in Institutional Advancement Office (Donor Relations).
Professional Development:
• Fluent in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
• Co-founded and Co-hosted Webinar “Strong Faith-Vital Connections” for the Black Catholic Community of Detroit
• Co-founded the Black Catholic Advisory Board for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
• Completed the Pastors with School Program at Notre Dame University.
• Host a weekly Friday Daily Mass reflection for the United States Bishop Conference.
• Founder and producer of the media platform Faith and Culture in the D
• Chaplain to Mary’s Mantle, a formation house for homeless pregnant young women
• Member of the Evangelization Task Force for the Archdiocese of Detroit
• Head of the CTK Leadership Team, Finance Council, CTK School Advisory Board, and Parish Unity Team
• Avid reader and student of Leadership models for personal and organizational purposes
• Contributing Writer for the Black Catholic Messenger
• Co-founded and Co-executive produce a Podcast called The Father and Father Podcast.
Pastoral Interests:
• Urban & Suburban Ministry
• Youth & Young Adult Ministry
• Various Ethnic & Minority Groups Ministries
• School(s) Ministries (Campus Ministry)
• Ministry with the marginalized
• Marriage Ministry
• Mental Health Ministry
• Ecumenical & Inter-religious Ministry
• Institutional Advancement Ministry
• Podcast & Dynamic Ministry
Personal Interests/Hobbies:
• Bike Riding
• Engaging at local coffee shops
• Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu
• Studying languages and cultures
• Listening to contemporary and classical music (esp. Operas)
• Exercising at the gym
• Fishing
A Brief Description of Myself:
• People-oriented and enjoy priestly fraternity.
• A mix of extravert and introvert, generally quiet in the early morning and late evening.
• Have close, authentic friendships grounded in the love of God and neighbor.
• Enjoy good food, coffee, wine, and interesting conversations.
• Strive to be a positive and spiritual role model for my nephews.
• Seek advice and counsel from trusted individuals before making decisions.
• I share the responsibility of co-guardian for my niece and nephew with my mom, and I cherish the time spent with them as a family.
I am a beloved son of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, called by the Holy Spirit to inspire His people to deepen their relationship with Jesus and His Church. Let's set ourselves on a mission together!