AFFIRMING A PRIESTHOOD, ROOTED IN A REFORMED AND RENEWED CHURCH

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Lynch, Leo

October 9, 2009
Saginaw, Michigan

Long-time storyteller and FCM member Leo Lynch passed away October 9, 2009, at age 78. A native of Michigan, Leo was ordained a priest in Rome in 1956, and he served the Saginaw diocese for 13 years.

According to an article in the Saginaw News, Leo left the priesthood in 1969 feeling he could no longer support the church’s views on divorce and remarriage, the celibacy of priests and intercommunity services. He married Judy Hayes in 1970; they have two sons, Stephen and Andrew. Leo was active in the civil rights and anti-war movements and in fighting poverty, racism and war.

Leo’s commitment to social justice issues followed him when he joined a folk trio called New Image. His son Stephan is quoted as saying, “the songs were always about important things in troubled times.” Leo was also active in local theater. He continued to minister, celebrating Mass with the Emmanuel Catholic Community.