MEET OUR NEW PASTOR

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Craig Lawrence Albrecht was born May 7, 1961 in Saginaw, Michigan. The eldest son of the late Edward L. Albrecht and Theresa A. (Groll) Albrecht; Dad died April 22, 2008; Mom is retired 'and lives in Thomas Township (Shields). His siblings a sister, two brothers, a half-sister and their families live in Bullhead City, AZ, Brant, MI, Bay City, MI, and Saginaw, MI, respectively.

He attended John Moore Elementary, North Intermediate Jr. High, and Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw graduating in 1979. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN [1991]; and a Master of Divinity degree from St. Michael's Faculty of Theology in Toronto, Onto Canada [1995].

Prior to studying for the priesthood [1976-1988], he worked in the foodservice and hospitality industry including at McDonald's Restaurants; as a Mess Management Specialist aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) in the U.S. Navy, and at the Montague Inn in Saginaw. He has worked as a cook/chef, baker, bartender, auditor, reservations clerk, bell person, housekeeper, and records keeper.

Craig was baptized May 14, 1961 at Sacred Heart Church, Saginaw and grew up in St. Andrew Church, Saginaw. He has shared in many faith formation experiences over the years including: altar server, lector, Eucharistic minister, and parish council member; along with mission experiences in Mexico and Venezuela; interdenominational ministry with "A Christian Ministry in the National Parks"; and a pastoral internship at Holy Spirit Church, Shields.

Craig was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1995 at St. Mary Cathedral, Saginaw by Bishop Kenneth E. Untener. He served as Associate Pastor at Sacred Heart Church, Mt. Pleasant [May 1995-Sept. 1997]; and was appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Merrill and Sacramental Minister to St. Patrick Church, Ryan (Merrill) on Sept. 25, 1997; in January 2000 he was appointed Chaplain at Nouvel Catholic Central, Saginaw; and in October 2003 as Sacramental Minister to St. Mary Church, Hemlock where he has served until his appointment on July 1, 2008 as Pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Bay City. Fr. Craig also presides at Hispanic Migrant Masses each summer, serves as Spiritual Moderator to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and serves on the board of the Saginaw Priests Retirement Association. In his 'spare' time, he enjoys cooking, golf, movies, reading, and visiting with friends.