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FCM history

From 1968 to today, embracing inclusive ministry.

FCM has its roots in the Vatican II era that affirmed the primary identity of the Church as the pilgrim people of God and embraced a dialogue with the modern world.

Milestones

Five moments that shaped FCM.

  1. 1968

    Society of Priests for a Free Ministry

    The Society of Priests for a Free Ministry (SPFM), what would later become FCM, began to give voice to priests looking for church reform, especially for optional celibacy.

    • TIME Magazine, “Religion: Priests and Nuns: Going Their Way,” February 23, 1970
    • The New York Times, “Dissident Priests Seek Union of Six Organizations,” September 6, 1971
  2. 1973

    Becoming a Fellowship

    SPFM changed its name to Fellowship of Christian Ministries (FCM), reflecting the growing interest in small communities of faith as a more ecumenical and professional religious organization with its own certification program in ministry. FCM acknowledged that each Christian has a charism to share, and that certification or recognition of that charism can have a public and civil dimension as well as an ecclesial aspect in preaching, presiding at liturgies, witnessing marriages, conducting funerals and providing pastoral and spiritual care as chaplains.

  3. 1981

    Evolving to a Federation

    FCM became the Federation of Christian Ministries to include people of various religious traditions, and to affirm women as equals and partners in ministry. FCM had diversified its membership through the Committee on Denominational Concerns and allowed for a variety of interfaith expressions in community, ministry and worship.

  4. 1996

    The Anthony Soto Award

    Named for Father Dr. Anthony Soto (1921–1996), the award is given each year to an FCM member who exemplifies his spirit and vision.

    Learn more
  5. Today

    Continuing to empower ministry

    FCM is a Faith Group member of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE) and is listed in the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. FCM’s Endorsement for Specialized Ministry serves commissioned members seeking employment in chaplaincy or clinical pastoral work.

    Learn more

[A recorded session on the history and formation of FCM, featuring founding and long-time members, will be linked here.]

1968

The Society of Priests for a Free Ministry.

Steering Committee

  • Harry Houle
    Harry Houle
    ChairmanPhoenix, AZ
  • Patrick K. Best
    Patrick K. Best
    Executive SecretaryDetroit, MI
  • Raymond Dakoske
    Regional CoordinatorDetroit, MI
  • Thomas Pucelik
    Regional CoordinatorPeoria, IL
  • Robert MacMahon
    Regional CoordinatorSt. Louis, MO
  • Frank Bognano
    Regional CoordinatorCouncil Bluffs, IA
  • James Dagenais
    Regional CoordinatorOxford, OH
  • Ed Steichen
    Ed Steichen
    Regional CoordinatorMadison, WIb. Sep 24, 1931 · d. Sep 11, 2014

Leadership after SPFM formation

  • Eugene Bianchi
    Eugene Bianchi
    President, 1969–1971b. 1930 · d. 2022
  • Rocco Caporale
    Rocco Caporale
    Vice President, from 1969d. Jun 30, 2008
  • Patrick K. Best
    Patrick K. Best
    Treasurer, from 1969
Leadership

Those who have led FCM.

Presidents

  • Bishop William Manseau
    1973–1976
    Bishop William Manseau
    PresidentGood Shepherd Companions, Ecumenical Catholic Ordinariate
  • 1976–1980
    Gerald Grudzen
    Marita Grudzen
    Co-Presidents
  • 1980–1984
    Susana Schlesinger
    Paul Schlesinger
    Co-Presidents
  • Mary Jane Schutzius
    1984–1988
    Mary Jane Schutzius
    President
  • Dr. Joseph William Ruane
    1988–1992
    Dr. Joseph William Ruaneb. Feb 23, 1933
    President
  • 1992–1996
    William Leahyb. May 27, 1935 · d. Jan 2, 1999
    President
  • 1996–1998
    Tom Leonhardtb. 1934 · d. Dec 2, 2021
    Carolyn Horvath
    Co-Presidents
  • Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
    1998–2004
    Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWPb. 1948
    President
  • 2004–2008
    Clem DeWallb. Mar 29, 1933 · d. May 5, 2025
    Elieen Mackin
    Co-Presidents
  • 2008–2014
    Tom Quinn
    Michaelita Quinn
    Co-Presidents
  • Thomas Cusack
    2014–2021
    Thomas Cusack
    President
  • Ron Davis
    2021–2023
    Ron Davis
    President
  • Thomas Cusack
    2023–2025
    Thomas Cusack
    President

The position of President was eliminated in 2025.

Chairpersons of the Circle of Directors

  • Bishop William Manseau
    1976–1980
    Bishop William Manseau
    Chairperson
  • 1980–1982
    James Dooley
    Chairperson
  • 1984–1988
    Paul Schlesinger
    Chairperson
  • 1990–1992
    Gerald Grudzen
    Marita Grudzen
    Co-Chairpersons
  • Joseph Ruane
    1992–1996
    Joseph Ruane
    Chairperson
  • William Leahy
    1996–1997*
    William Leahy
    Chairperson
  • Joseph Ruane
    1997
    Joseph Ruane
    Chairperson
  • 1998
    Michael McFadden
    Chairperson
  • 1998–1999
    Tom Leonhardt
    Carolyn Horvath
    Co-Chairpersons
  • Joseph Ruane
    1999–2001
    Joseph Ruane
    Chairperson
  • 2001
    Paula Fangman
    Tom Fangman
    Co-Chairpersons
  • 2001–2007
    Paul Reithmaier
    Jan Reithmaier
    Co-Chairpersons
  • Antoinette Marold
    2007–2013
    Antoinette Marold
    Chairperson
  • Tom Stricker
    2013–2019
    Tom Stricker
    Chairperson
  • Christy Howard-Steele
    2019–2025
    Christy Howard-Steele
    Chairperson
  • Christopher Breen
    2025–2028
    Christopher Breen
    Chairperson

* Scrapbook, 1959–1999, Box 10, Folder 106. William K. Leahy–Vatican Council II Collection, 185. Catholic University of America Special Collections, Washington, D.C. Finding aid, accessed June 24, 2025.

Since 1996

The Anthony Soto Award.

Father Dr. Anthony Soto (1921–1996) was a friar and pastor, scholar and field worker, dreamer and organizer, idealist and activist, husband and father, and a longtime member of FCM.

Father Soto founded an innovative job training program and was a leading figure in the struggle of Mexican-Americans for justice in the workplace. He also started a retreat movement emphasizing a leadership that grows out of community. He and his wife Phyllis were among the founders of the Communidad in San Jose, California.

The Anthony Soto Award is given each year to an FCM member who exemplifies his spirit and vision. The recipient is selected by a committee of FCM members.

Recipients
YearAwardeeRegion
1996Phyllis SotoPacific (now Southwest)
1998Mary Catherine GibsonGreat Lakes (now Lakes & Plains)
1999Linda GonzalesPacific (now Southwest)
2001Robert SchutziusMountains & Plains (now South Central)
2002Fran Pelletier
Jean Pelletier		Southern (now Southeast)
2003Joe Ruane
Nancy Ruane		Northeast
2004Ed Kalmanek
Judy Kalmanek		Great Lakes (now Lakes & Plains)
2005Ann McEntee
Jim McEntee		Pacific (now Southwest)
2006Malcolm NazarethPacific (now Southwest)
2008Bishop William ManseauNortheast
2009Carolyn Horvath
Tom Leonhardt		Great Lakes (now Lakes & Plains)
2010Marita Grudzen
Gerry Grudzen		Pacific (now South Central)
2011Carl Hemmer
Pat Hemmer		Southern (now Southeast)
2012Paul Nichols Schleitwiler
Mary Nichols Schleitwiler		Great Lakes (now Lakes & Plains)
2013Chava RedonnetNortheast
2014Antoinette MaroldGreat Lakes (now Lakes & Plains)
2016Mike Conley
Jean Conley		Southern (later Mid-Atlantic; now [region to confirm])