GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids will welcome two new priests at an ordination Mass on Saturday morning.
Bishop David Walkowiak will ordain Dean Christopher Epplett and Deacon Jacob Zemaitis to the priesthood. The Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 301 Sheldon Blvd. It is open to the public.
Here is some background information on the two, as provided by the Diocese:
Deacon Christopher T. Epplett, 39, is the son of Thomas and Mary Epplett of Spring Lake. He has nine siblings: Wendy, Delores, Tommy (deceased), Rebecca, Roberta, Joel, Jason, Ken and Tim. He is a member of St. Mary Parish in Spring Lake and attended St. Mary Catholic School for grades K-8. After graduating from Grand Haven High School, Deacon Christopher received a bachelor’s degree in theology from Aquinas College. He previously worked for several publications and newspapers, as well as in parish pastoral ministry.
Deacon Christopher was ordained a transitional deacon on May 21, 2022. He received his Master of Divinity from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, in spring 2023. He completed his pastoral internship at St. Luke University Parish in Allendale under the mentorship of Father Bill Vander Werff.
Father Christopher will celebrate his Masses of Thanksgiving at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 4 at St. Mary Church, 406 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, and at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 11 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 47650 N. Territorial Rd., Plymouth.
Father Christopher is appointed canonical administrator of St. Alphonsus Parish in Grand Rapids, effective
July 1.
Deacon Jacob M. Zemaitis, 29, is the son of Mark and Marilyn Zemaitis. His siblings are Daniel and Laura. He is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Wright. After graduating from Coopersville High School, he attended Grand Valley State University before moving on to St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Deacon Jacob was ordained a transitional deacon on May 21, 2022. He received his Master of Divinity from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, in spring 2023. He completed his pastoral internship at Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids under the mentorship of Father Mark Peacock.
Father Jacob will celebrate his Mass of Thanksgiving at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 4 at St. Joseph Church, 18784 8th Ave., Conklin.
Father Jacob is appointed parochial vicar of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Grand Rapids, effective July 1.
Photo: Deacon Zemaitis - courtesy: Catholic Diocese of G.R.
Photo: Dean Epplett - courtesy: Catholic Diocese of G.R.