Clergy Artists
Art for God’s sake is pleased to have artistically talented members of the clergy participating in our event. Please enjoy reading about some of them here:
Father J.J. Mech
Father J.J. Mech created the tiles for Our Lady of Loretto's shrine
As the youngest of six children, Fr. J.J. Mech grew up in a loving, noisy home in Dearborn Heights, MI. He attended Catholic schools for 12 years before going to Michigan State University. There, Fr. Mech had the transforming experience of taking an art history class, where he was introduced to a grand love of art, as if “God had turned on a light switch.” When Fr. Mech transferred to Sacred Heart Major Seminary, he continued to pursue this passion by working with watercolors and eventually being hired by area churches to design and create their Paschal Candles. He also created the Seminary’s welcome banner for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Detroit.
While earning his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and his Master of Divinity at Sacred Heart, Fr. Mech was inspired by the abundance of Pewabic Tile on campus. His own low-relief tile work includes a fiftieth anniversary limited edition piece for Our Lady of Loretto, where he also created the stone-and-wood presider’s chair and the tiles for the side-altar shrine to the Blessed Virgin.
When Fr. Mech first arrived as pastor at St. Anastasia, the parish was commemorating its fortieth anniversary; in surveying the church’s history, Fr. Mech discovered that the founding pastor, Fr. William Davidson, was a devotee of art too; what a profound connection! Fr. Mech brings this art show to the community to help us fully celebrate our continually developing identity as a parish, and to allow us to immerse ourselves in the many ways that God can reach out to us through art. The pastor believes that Art For God’s Sake is an uplifting declaration and reminder that even when times are troubled, the Catholic church has always protected and honored the masterful beauty translated to us by the expressive talents of those who are given a measure of the LORD’s creativity.
Father Craig Giera
Self-portrait of Father Craig Giera
“Before hearing ‘the call,’ I lived my life as an artist. I always tried to further my creativity and develop my technical ability in whatever media I used. I entered school and received a Bachelors in Fine Arts at Wayne State University with a double concentration in painting and sculpture. Once school was over, I had some success displaying and selling my art at different venues. After working for a number of years in a gallery, I began a new body of work in order to apply to graduate school. In the paint and solitude I heard God and found myself. Art was the forum where I was able to discern my vocation and where my prayer became alive. I was ordained a Catholic Priest on May 22, 2010 and I am currently the Associate Pastor at Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson, MI.”
Visit Fr. Giera’s webpage.
Father Bob McCabe
This photograph by Father Bob McCabe appeared in Hour Detroit magazine
“My fondest memories from my high school years were those spent taking pictures and working in the photo lab (dark room). It was the first time I really excelled in any particular area. The creative process captured my imagination. During my college years at Mercy College (1971-1975), I took many photography courses. Although photography has always been a great passion of mine, I didn’t pursue photography as my livelihood.
My main interest in photography is taking pictures of people. Many of them are informal portraits; others examine the human condition, focusing on the needs of those who are poor and struggling. Some of these photographs appeared in the December 2009 issue of the Hour Detroit magazine.
I was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1995. I am currently serving as the pastor of St. Pius X parish in Southgate, Michigan.
As a priest, it is very important to have a creative outlet. Photography affords me a beautiful opportunity to see God working in the creative process. When I take pictures, I never know what the end result will be. God coordinates so much of what takes place. The who, what, where, and how a picture will be taken normally is unknown to me when I set out to take pictures.
I once asked a friend, who was returning from fishing, if he had a good day. He said, ‘Bob, every day fishing is a good day.’ I feel the same way whenever I return from having taken pictures.”
Brother Michael Gaffney
Brother Michael Gaffney with his sculpture
“I am a Capuchin Franciscan, presently living in Detroit, Michigan. I am originally from North Dakota and Minnesota. I entered the Capuchin Order after High School.
“My first work encounter was at our St. Lawrence High School Seminary in Wisconsin, as a printer. Most of the work involved fundraising for the school. It was there that I had the opportunity to expand my love for the Arts.
“After many years in Wisconsin I moved to Detroit where my work is to do the creative side of our fundraising. This involves the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Missions, Father Solanus Casey Center and the needs of our Province. Most of my work is in Graphic Design. I attended the Center for Creative Studies. I do and have done a variety of artwork not only for our Province but also for various ministries and individuals over the years. My style is realistic, hopefully capturing the emotions and feelings where needed.
“Various forms of my work include: Graphic Design, Illustrations, Photography, Sculpture, Sketching, Drawing, Painting, Pen & Ink-Pointillism, Iconography, Large Street Banners and Signs, Logo Designs and various other means of art.
“One of my largest creations has been for our Capuchin Cemetery in Wisconsin as well as for the Capuchin Province of St. Mary in Yonkers, New York of a life size Bronze Sculpture called, “The Embrace of Sister Death.” Recently I did the painting of the meeting between St. Andre Bessett and Father Solanus. It was featured in the Michigan Catholic and hangs in the Chapel of St. Bonaventure Monastery. I also did the Bronze Statue of St. Anthony for Our Lady of good Counsel, in Plymouth, Michigan.
“I have been honored by having several of my bronze reliefs of Francis and Clare displayed in the Capuchin College in Rome, the Capuchin Friary in Assisi, and the Capuchin Friary in Peru.
“My work in the order has brought me many experiences as well as travels throughout the world. I am grateful for all that I have been able to create and to share.”