PARISH OFFICE HOURS
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
We close for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Phone (970) 242-6121
Fax (970) 256-0276
PARISH STAFF
Very Reverend Father Donald P. Malin, V. F.
Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
This is not my first time as a priest in Grand Junction. I was here in 2003-2004 as a new priest. I was assigned as a Sacramental minister to IHM, lived in the rectory duplex, and worked full time at St. Joseph’s Church.
I was born in Los Angeles in 1956 to Leonard and Diane Malin. I am one of four children. We lived in a peculiar house from 1960 to 1973 which my father built. It was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and was dubbed the most modern home in the world by the Encyclopedia Britannica. I attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic school for 3 years, but was moved to public school to have a better class size. I attended Hollywood High School until 1973, when I moved to the High Desert area north of Palm Springs, graduating in 1974. My Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree was in Music with classical guitar and choral conducting as my double emphasis. I took my Master of Fine Arts in music history with a thesis entitled “A Practical Guide to Gregorian Chant.” I ended my musical academic career at CU Boulder working on a Ph.D. in Musicology. In 1995 I began studies in a second Master of Pastoral Liturgy at Santa Clara University.
I have played music in Church since I was 12 years old, and took my music emphasis into a Church career as a youth minister, catechist, church musician and liturgist. This is what finally led me to Trinidad, Colorado, where as both music instructor at TSJC and Music and Liturgy Director I was called to study for the priesthood in 1998. I attended Sacred Heart School of Theology where I received a Master of Divinity Cum Laude in 2003. I was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 2003.
After my assignment in Grand Junction, I was made Parochial Administrator of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Montrose for three years and subsequently appointed Pastor. In 2008 I was appointed Pastor and Dean at St. Peter’s Parish (and missions) in Rocky Ford. Two and a half years later I was appointed Pastor at IHM/John Paul II Parish in Pagosa Springs where I ministered for three and a half years—the last two years as Dean.
My diocesan appointments include Diocesan Liaison for the Charismatic Renewal, Vocations Team, and Dean at three Deaneries. As a Dean I have served on the Presbyteral Council, the College of Consultors, the Personnel Board.
I have had my hand in music all of my adult life. Many recall my music group “The Holy Rollers,” with which I played for 10 years. I am really happy to be your pastor at IHM in Grand Junction. CLICK HERE to send me an email. You can also reach me by calling the parish office at 970-242-6121.
Father Isaac Kariuki
Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Director of RCIA
My name is Isaac Mungai Kariuki, originally from the country of Kenya and from the tribe of the Agikuyu. I am from a Catholic family of four brothers and two sisters of which I am the first born. Our parents are our good living example and witness of Catholicism. Growing up in the city of Mombasa in Kenya, I mixed with people of different ethnic groups, both Christians and Muslims.
My vocation journey is a long one and it started when I was about six to seven years old. I do remember during my young age when I was an altar boy. I was very punctual in my schedule to serve the Masses. Priests vestments (especially chasubles), were the first things to attract me to the priesthood in my young age. The next thing was the chanting during Mass. At this innocent age, little did I know that a priest does many more things in priestly ministry than chanting and wearing a chasuble!
In my primary school, I initiated a group which I named, the “altar boys group” and we met every Friday evening after classes. During my high school, a group of us formed the “YCS group” meaning, the “Young Catholic Students.” At this point, my vocation was maturing and I was getting convinced that one day I will become a Catholic priest.
After my high school and still with the desire to become a priest, I was invited by the Consolata Missionaries in Kenya to attend their catechetical training college for two years. After this training, I assisted the Consolata Missionaries in their work of primary evangelization. I then started my seminary studies in Kenya and Uganda. From Uganda I proceeded to the United States where I joined St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Southern Indiana pursing a Master of Divinity degree.
My experience to this point is that God is always present among his people, he always loves his people and he is always reaching out to his people and waiting for those who are still struggling to embrace him. I look forward to being surprised by God in my priestly ministry in the vineyard of the Lord among his people; Amen and Alleluia! CLICK HERE to send me an email. You can also reach me by calling the parish office at 970-242-6121.
Deacon Leo Truscott
My wife Diane and I moved to Grand Junction in 2000. I work as a Machinist for the Union Pacific R. R. We have three daughters and one son, four granddaughters, two grandsons, one great grandson. I service God in the Diocese of Pueblo as a Deacon and I’m assigned to Immaculate Heart of Mary and our Mission in Palisade, St. Ann. I serve our parish in many and diverse ways for example at Mesa Corrections Facilities. My ministry is to serve! I love to read, preach, and teach the word of God. CLICK HERE to send Deacon Leo an email. You can also leave a message for Deacon Leo at the parish office by calling 970-242-6121.
Deacon Terry Schmader
I was born in Oil City, Pa, Sandra and I have been married for fifty four years. We have four daughters, eleven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. I have a BS Degree from Regis University in Technical Management, served twenty years in the US Navy earning a Bronze Star in Viet Nam where my call to the diaconate came while working with the people in the villages. I was ordained in Erie, Pa. by Bishop Donald Trautman and I have served in the Dioceses of Erie, Denver, and now Pueblo. Deacon Terry is now retired from serving the parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary but you can still leave messages through the parish office by calling 970-242-6121.
John Gratkowski
Business Manager
Hello my name is John Gratkowski and I’m the business manager. I have been a member of IHM for five years and moved here from Henderson, Nevada when I retired from OfficeMax. My responsibilities included purchasing supplies, special events coordinator and developed training for both associate and management personnel. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. My wife and I have been married for fifty years and have two sons. We are happy to be part of this community and to serve in any way possible. CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can reach me by calling the parish office 970-242-6121 ext. 218.
Bev Goodrich
Pastoral Assistant
My husband Mark, and I have been members of the parish since 1975, and over the years I’ve had the privilege to work in both volunteer and professional capacities. These include Grand Valley Peace & Justice director, Western Slope Family Life coordinator for the diocese of Pueblo, and IHM’s Volunteer coordinator before becoming Pastoral Assistant in 2003. I enjoy working with our wonderful parishioners and being able to serve their needs. CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 206.
Jack Stuckenschneider
Director of Liturgy Music
I have been employed at IHM since November 2008 as Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Music. My wife Tricia and I have two sons, Chris and Jon and a daughter, Jennifer. I went to college at Colorado School of Mines and Divine Word Seminary College in Epworth, Iowa. I love to play guitar, fish, hunt and spend time in the outdoors. God has blessed me to serve in this position and I pray we can keep the Good News of Jesus Christ alive in the Grand Valley and the world! CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 212.
Irene Fritzler
Children’s Religious Education/ Pre-K through 5th
Hello, I am Irene Jurewicz Fritzler. I have the joy of ministering to our parish families and children through weekly educational programs offered by our parish. Preschool through 5th grade public school students enter at a variety of faith formation levels and participate in classes instructing them on our Catholic faith and traditions, helping them grow their faith by experiencing Holy Mass, celebrations and festivals including social justice activities, Christmas plays and Vacation Bible School. I also enjoy coordinating special family events for the entire parish like the “Living Last Supper” and a pilgrimage to see the live “Passion Play” in Oberammergau, Germany. To send me and email, CLICK HERE or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 204.
Andrea Stanton
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Hi, I’m Andrea Stanton. I graduated from Oregon State University (GO BEAVS!) with a degree in Public Health- Child and Adolescent Health and Behavior, and then decided to move to Grand Junction. I became part of the parish through music ministry in 2003, where I still play the flute on occasion. I joined the staff in 2006 as the Youth Minister, and worked to learn more theology through Boston College over 4 summers. I received my Master’s in Pastoral Ministry with a focus on Youth and Young Adult Faith in May 2014. I am in charge of high school things here at IHM, and also serve on the middle school team. This includes catechesis, sacraments, retreats, extended trips (World Youth Day and our Sister Parish in El Salvador), service projects( teens prepare and serve dinner monthly at Homeward Bound and help in other ways), and community events. I like to quilt, snowshoe, downhill ski, camp, and travel in my free time. CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 207.
Sue Miller
Secretary
Hello, my name is Sue Miller. I am the parish secretary. I have resided in the Valley since 2005. I have been IHM’s secretary for 9 years and have a total of 17 ½ years experience as a church secretary. CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 201.
Ginny Revel
Pastor’s Clerk
Since my move from New Jersey to Colorado, I have held a variety of professional administrative positions, as well as having worked as an independent contractor. Also, for several years I have been privileged to be a contributing writer for ‘Today’s Catholic’, the newspaper for the diocese of Pueblo. As Pastor’s Clerk I assist Fr. Don Malin and facilitate the Grand Junction Deanery activities.
CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can also reach me by calling the parish office at 970-242-6121.
Margaret McWilliams
Clerical Assistant
My name is Margaret McWilliams. I have been on the staff at IHM for 12 years. I share in the financial duties of posting contributions, updating the database and the sales and record keeping of the Columbarium. I also assist with other clerical duties as needed. To contact me, CLICK HERE and send me an email or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 210.
Wendy Williams
Bookkeeper – Immaculate Heart of Mary
Hello, my name is Wendy Williams. I received my Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration in 2003 from CMU. I have been involved with the bookkeeping at Immaculate Heart of Mary since 2001. I was born and raised in the Grand Valley and love this area. My husband, Cory, and I have 4 wonderful children. We like to spend our time hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and watching our kids play soccer. CLICK HERE to send me an email or you can reach me at 970-242-6121 ext. 214.
Cheryl Morelli
Support Staff Associate
My name is Cheryl Morelli and I am part of the our parish’s administrative staff. I update our website and assist staff with computerized record keeping. CLICK HERE and send me an email or call the parish office at 970-242-6121 ext. 209 to determine how I may best serve you.
Frank DeLosa
Maintenance
Hi, I’m Frank DeLosa. You can reach me by calling the parish office at 970-242-6121.