We invite you to meet some of the men who were ordained as priests within the Roman Catholic Church who have decided to reclaim their priesthood with the ANCC. They have a common thread that runs among them - a belief that they never stopped being priests. We are honored that after examining all of their options, they have reclaimed their priesthood with the ANCC.
Fr. Louie Amezaga
In 1995, driven by his interest in the priesthood, Fr. Louie Amezaga pursued studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology, successfully completing a double master's program—MA in Catholic Life and Thought and an M Div. Fr. Louis was ordained to the priesthood through the Roman Catholic Church where he served until 1999.
Since 2002, Fr. Louie has been a familiar presence to the people of Holy Family, maintaining a consistent connection with the community. Concurrently, he continued his role as a teacher at a local High School, further contributing to both spiritual and educational spheres.
In 2015, Fr. Louie was Incardinated into the American National Catholic Church (ANCC) and continues to serve at Holy Family American National Catholic parish.
Since 2002, Fr. Louie has been a familiar presence to the people of Holy Family, maintaining a consistent connection with the community. Concurrently, he continued his role as a teacher at a local High School, further contributing to both spiritual and educational spheres.
In 2015, Fr. Louie was Incardinated into the American National Catholic Church (ANCC) and continues to serve at Holy Family American National Catholic parish.
Fr. Mark DeStephano
Fr. Mark DeStephano, a native of Palisades Park, New Jersey, U.S.A., has led a distinguished academic and religious life. He was born into a Roman Catholic family and later joined the Society of Jesus in 1976, marking the beginning of his journey as a Jesuit priest.
In his pursuit of knowledge, Fr. Mark earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Spanish from
Fordham University. Fueled by a passion for theology, he embarked on a comprehensive academic journey at the University of Toronto's Regis College. There, he achieved four degrees in Theology: Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
Expanding his scholarly horizons, Fr. Mark continued his education at Harvard University, where he earned master's and doctoral degrees in Romance Languages and Literatures. His specialization focused on Medieval and Golden-Age Spanish Literature, showcasing his commitment to the literary and cultural aspects of his academic discipline.
Over the course of more than thirty years, Fr. DeStephano dedicated himself to teaching in various educational institutions worldwide. His impact has been felt in over fifteen high schools, colleges, and universities, where he shared his knowledge and passion for languages and literatures.
Since 1995, Fr. DeStephano has held the position of Chairman and Professor of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.A. Additionally, he serves as the Director and Professor of the Asian Studies Program, contributing to the academic and cultural enrichment of the university community.
In 1988, Father Mark DeStephano reached a significant milestone in his religious journey as he was ordained a priest. His commitment to the Catholic faith and the Jesuit order has been unwavering, and his priesthood has been characterized by service, scholarship, and leadership.
In August 2022, Fr. Mark DeStephano was incardinated to the ANCC (American National Catholic Church). Currently, he holds the position of the Vicar of the Spanish Apostolate and serves as the Executive Council secretary. In these roles, he continues to contribute to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community, combining his academic expertise with his dedication to the Church.
In his pursuit of knowledge, Fr. Mark earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Spanish from
Fordham University. Fueled by a passion for theology, he embarked on a comprehensive academic journey at the University of Toronto's Regis College. There, he achieved four degrees in Theology: Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
Expanding his scholarly horizons, Fr. Mark continued his education at Harvard University, where he earned master's and doctoral degrees in Romance Languages and Literatures. His specialization focused on Medieval and Golden-Age Spanish Literature, showcasing his commitment to the literary and cultural aspects of his academic discipline.
Over the course of more than thirty years, Fr. DeStephano dedicated himself to teaching in various educational institutions worldwide. His impact has been felt in over fifteen high schools, colleges, and universities, where he shared his knowledge and passion for languages and literatures.
Since 1995, Fr. DeStephano has held the position of Chairman and Professor of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.A. Additionally, he serves as the Director and Professor of the Asian Studies Program, contributing to the academic and cultural enrichment of the university community.
In 1988, Father Mark DeStephano reached a significant milestone in his religious journey as he was ordained a priest. His commitment to the Catholic faith and the Jesuit order has been unwavering, and his priesthood has been characterized by service, scholarship, and leadership.
In August 2022, Fr. Mark DeStephano was incardinated to the ANCC (American National Catholic Church). Currently, he holds the position of the Vicar of the Spanish Apostolate and serves as the Executive Council secretary. In these roles, he continues to contribute to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community, combining his academic expertise with his dedication to the Church.
Fr. Paul Gulya
Fr. Paul Gulya was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1981 for the Diocese of Bridgeport (CT). After several years of active ministry, Fr. Gulya took a leave from active ministry. For several years he continued to work for various parishes within the diocese serving as a liturgist, music director, organist and choir director.
After transitioning from active ministry, Fr. Gulya developed a secular career in the
newspaper industry where he advanced from advertising sales to senior management positions in the advertising departments of newspapers such as the Hartford Courant, Boston Herald and New York Daily News.
Fr. Gulya worked Jersey City, NJ, where he had is a successful career in real estate prior to retirement.
After transitioning from active ministry, Fr. Gulya developed a secular career in the
newspaper industry where he advanced from advertising sales to senior management positions in the advertising departments of newspapers such as the Hartford Courant, Boston Herald and New York Daily News.
Fr. Gulya worked Jersey City, NJ, where he had is a successful career in real estate prior to retirement.
Fr. Michael F.X. Hinkley
Fr. Michael Hinkley completed his undergraduate studies at The College of the Holy Cross and later earned the MA, two STL degrees and the STD degree at The North American College, Vatican City. He was ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Church in 1991 for the Archdiocese of Hartford.
He served as pastor and rector at two inner city parishes and taught (Healthcare Ethics, Morals and Spirituality) from 1994 to 2009 at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Doctor of Theology, he served as Theologian to two Roman Catholic archbishops and as the Senior Healthcare Ethicist for the Archdiocese of Hartford. His academic studies and work introduced him to numerous church leaders and theologians, among them Pope John Paul II and Avery Cardinal Dulles.
In more recent years, after leaving the active ministry of the Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Michael earned degrees in clinical social work from Fordham University and began a counseling practice. He and his partner converted a farm they purchased into a treatment and recovery program providing specialized recovery services for the LGBTQ community. Fr. Hinkley continues as part time clinical faculty at Quinnipiac University’s School of Social Work.
Fr. Michael was incardinated to the ANCC on March 2021.
He served as pastor and rector at two inner city parishes and taught (Healthcare Ethics, Morals and Spirituality) from 1994 to 2009 at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Doctor of Theology, he served as Theologian to two Roman Catholic archbishops and as the Senior Healthcare Ethicist for the Archdiocese of Hartford. His academic studies and work introduced him to numerous church leaders and theologians, among them Pope John Paul II and Avery Cardinal Dulles.
In more recent years, after leaving the active ministry of the Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Michael earned degrees in clinical social work from Fordham University and began a counseling practice. He and his partner converted a farm they purchased into a treatment and recovery program providing specialized recovery services for the LGBTQ community. Fr. Hinkley continues as part time clinical faculty at Quinnipiac University’s School of Social Work.
Fr. Michael was incardinated to the ANCC on March 2021.
Fr. Luis Octavio Huete-Altamirano
Born in Nicaragua, Rev. Father Luis Octavio Huete-Altamirano felt the calling to priesthood from a young age, a journey that led to his ordination in 2005 under the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Managua. A scholar at heart, Luis pursued studies in Philosophy and Theology at the Catholic University of Nicaragua, specializing in Ontology and the Primacy of Peter.
Motivated by compassion for the marginalized, he embarked on missions across Central America, Brazil, and Italy, engaging in pastoral work and prison ministry. Leadership roles followed, including Director of San Ignacio de Loyola school and Parish Administrator in Nicaragua.
In 2018, Fr. Luis Octavio made New York his home, collaborating with various Catholic entities, literary academies, and nonprofit organizations. He served as the General Director of Catechesis at St. Peter's Lutheran Church (SPC).
In 2022, he was incardinated to the ANCC. Fr. Luis discovered the ANCC through his classmate Fr. Roger Hernandez and is overjoyed to have found a Catholic jurisdiction in which he could revive and continue his priestly ministry. Together with another priest of the ANCC, Fr. Seamus Campbell, he serves the homeless through the Ecumenical Outreach Partnership in Manhattan.
Additionally, Fr. Luis is a Cultural Ambassador for the Academy of Modern International Literature in New Jersey and contributes to the Mami Chelo Foundation, aiding immigrants in New York. His life's narrative is one of faith, scholarship, and dedicated service to diverse communities.
Motivated by compassion for the marginalized, he embarked on missions across Central America, Brazil, and Italy, engaging in pastoral work and prison ministry. Leadership roles followed, including Director of San Ignacio de Loyola school and Parish Administrator in Nicaragua.
In 2018, Fr. Luis Octavio made New York his home, collaborating with various Catholic entities, literary academies, and nonprofit organizations. He served as the General Director of Catechesis at St. Peter's Lutheran Church (SPC).
In 2022, he was incardinated to the ANCC. Fr. Luis discovered the ANCC through his classmate Fr. Roger Hernandez and is overjoyed to have found a Catholic jurisdiction in which he could revive and continue his priestly ministry. Together with another priest of the ANCC, Fr. Seamus Campbell, he serves the homeless through the Ecumenical Outreach Partnership in Manhattan.
Additionally, Fr. Luis is a Cultural Ambassador for the Academy of Modern International Literature in New Jersey and contributes to the Mami Chelo Foundation, aiding immigrants in New York. His life's narrative is one of faith, scholarship, and dedicated service to diverse communities.
Fr. Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones is an eco-feminist and a worker-priest whose leadership on the board of United for a Fair Economy aims to address the racial wealth divide in the US. Kevin conducts symposiums with the Pachamama Alliance, which highlight the impact and ethical responsibility humans have to understand and protect the threatened ecosystem of which we are a part.
Kevin works for the Urban League of Hudson County, a leading civil rights organization which empowers communities of color in a society which remains persistently racist. He has a colorful array of work experience, including as Deputy Commissioner General for the US Pavilion at the World Expo in Lisbon.
He is an avid sailor (sans boat) and he was ordained in 1990 as a priest. He and his husband Andy live in Newark and delight in the community found at the ANCC.
Kevin works for the Urban League of Hudson County, a leading civil rights organization which empowers communities of color in a society which remains persistently racist. He has a colorful array of work experience, including as Deputy Commissioner General for the US Pavilion at the World Expo in Lisbon.
He is an avid sailor (sans boat) and he was ordained in 1990 as a priest. He and his husband Andy live in Newark and delight in the community found at the ANCC.
Fr. Anthony Martinez
Fr. Anthony Martinez graduated with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from the Pontifical College Josephinum and was ordained to the priesthood on May 27th, 1989 by Roman Catholic Archbishop Robert Sanchez of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
From the year of his ordination until 2004, Fr. Tony dedicated his service to the Archdiocese, holding various positions such as Pastor, Military Chaplain, Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program, and Professor at Eastern New Mexico University.
From 2013 to approximately 2015, he served Holy Family while concurrently holding a leadership position at Molina Health Care.
Fr. Tony currently resides in Albuquerque, NM, and works for the State of New Mexico. He continues to contribute to the spiritual community by offering services related to Catholic Marriage and the Sacrament of Baptism at Holy Family.
In 2018, Fr. Tony's journey was Incardinated into the American National Catholic Church (ANCC).
From the year of his ordination until 2004, Fr. Tony dedicated his service to the Archdiocese, holding various positions such as Pastor, Military Chaplain, Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program, and Professor at Eastern New Mexico University.
From 2013 to approximately 2015, he served Holy Family while concurrently holding a leadership position at Molina Health Care.
Fr. Tony currently resides in Albuquerque, NM, and works for the State of New Mexico. He continues to contribute to the spiritual community by offering services related to Catholic Marriage and the Sacrament of Baptism at Holy Family.
In 2018, Fr. Tony's journey was Incardinated into the American National Catholic Church (ANCC).
Fr. Rogelio Martinez
In 2005, Rev. Rogelio J. Martinez was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, as a Roman Catholic priest. Following his ordination, he entered parochial ministry, serving as an associate priest.
After several years in ministry, Fr. Rogelio pursued further studies in Canon Law at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, where he successfully obtained a Licentiate degree. This academic achievement led him to contribute significantly to his home diocese, where he served as Judicial Vicar and as a member of the College of Consultors.
During this period, Fr. Rogelio also took on the role of teaching Canon Law in El Paso, Texas. Simultaneously, he served as the pastor of a parish in Las Cruces, showcasing his dedication to both education and pastoral responsibilities.
On October 24, 2021, Fr. Rogelio was incardinated as a priest in the American National Catholic Church (ANCC). He now serves at Holy Family ANCC parish in Las Cruces and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ANCC community.
After several years in ministry, Fr. Rogelio pursued further studies in Canon Law at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, where he successfully obtained a Licentiate degree. This academic achievement led him to contribute significantly to his home diocese, where he served as Judicial Vicar and as a member of the College of Consultors.
During this period, Fr. Rogelio also took on the role of teaching Canon Law in El Paso, Texas. Simultaneously, he served as the pastor of a parish in Las Cruces, showcasing his dedication to both education and pastoral responsibilities.
On October 24, 2021, Fr. Rogelio was incardinated as a priest in the American National Catholic Church (ANCC). He now serves at Holy Family ANCC parish in Las Cruces and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ANCC community.
Fr. Alex Urena
Born and raised in the picturesque town of Totatiche, Mexico, Fr. Alex Urena took his first step on the path to priesthood at the age of twelve by entering the minor seminary. For six years, he underwent rigorous formation in the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, Jalisco, laying the groundwork for his future calling.
In the pursuit of broader experiences, he ventured to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he immersed himself in diverse roles, working in construction and contributing to the esteemed Hotel Encanto of Las Cruces. In 2005, embracing a new chapter, he joined the Diocese of Las Cruces and commenced higher education at Conception Abbey in Missouri.
Following five years of academic dedication, he continued his theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston. The culmination of this journey occurred on May 30, 2015, with his ordination as a priest by Bishop Oscar Cantu.
Fr. Alex was assigned at St. Albert the Great, Newman Parish, after completing his assignments in diverse locations such as Cloudcroft, La Luz, Tularosa, and Bent.
Fr. Alex has decided to join the ANCC and now resumes his parochial ministry at Holy Family American National Catholic parish. He is also working as a mental health therapist at Mesilla Valley Hospital in Las Cruces, NM.
In the pursuit of broader experiences, he ventured to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he immersed himself in diverse roles, working in construction and contributing to the esteemed Hotel Encanto of Las Cruces. In 2005, embracing a new chapter, he joined the Diocese of Las Cruces and commenced higher education at Conception Abbey in Missouri.
Following five years of academic dedication, he continued his theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston. The culmination of this journey occurred on May 30, 2015, with his ordination as a priest by Bishop Oscar Cantu.
Fr. Alex was assigned at St. Albert the Great, Newman Parish, after completing his assignments in diverse locations such as Cloudcroft, La Luz, Tularosa, and Bent.
Fr. Alex has decided to join the ANCC and now resumes his parochial ministry at Holy Family American National Catholic parish. He is also working as a mental health therapist at Mesilla Valley Hospital in Las Cruces, NM.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
-Matthew 25:21
Father Vincent McTighe (In Memoriam)
Fr. Vincent McTighe was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1972 for the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. Fr. Vincent served in different parishes throughout northern New Jersey. He also was appointed the first Executive Director of the National Federation of Priests' Councils headquartered in Chicago.
After leaving active ministry, Fr. McTighe held various management positions in North
Carolina, Vermont and New Jersey. Currently, he is Human Resources Director for Community
Services, Inc. of Ocean County, which provides nutrition programs and benefit screenings for the
elderly, especially the home bound. He served as co-pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus ANCC in New Jersey. Fr. Vincent died June 18, 2022.
After leaving active ministry, Fr. McTighe held various management positions in North
Carolina, Vermont and New Jersey. Currently, he is Human Resources Director for Community
Services, Inc. of Ocean County, which provides nutrition programs and benefit screenings for the
elderly, especially the home bound. He served as co-pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus ANCC in New Jersey. Fr. Vincent died June 18, 2022.
Father Llewelyn Troska (In Memoriam)
Fr. Lew was born and raised in rural Northwestern Minnesota the eldest of 8 children. A lifelong Roman Catholic, he began his education for the priesthood at Crosier Seminary High School and Junior College in Onamia, MN. He graduated from St. John’s University in 1979. He entered Major Seminary at St. John’s Seminary / School of Theology, Collegeville, MN. During his Major Seminary training Fr. Lew was extensively treated for Hodgkin’s Disease. Despite the rigorous treatments and time away from priestly preparation, he was finally ordained to the Roman Catholic Presbyterate on May 31, 1986 for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston, MN.
After serving as a priest in East Grand Forks, MN and Bemidji, MN, Fr. Lew decided to take a leave of absence in 1991 due to struggles with the church’s stance on homosexuality and marriage in the clergy, as well as the absolute authority of the hierarchy. During these years Fr. Lew has lived in Chicago, IL and Fargo, ND. His desire to serve as priest was not allowed by his diocese of origin and he pursued ministry within the Independent Catholic Church movement. For a time he was chaplain to St. Clare’s Convent, Moorhead, MN and presided at Eucharistic Liturgies for the Recovery Community within the the Eucharistic Catholic Church. Desiring to return to parish ministry God directed him to the ANCC where he served as pastor of the former St. Odilia's American National Catholic Church. Fr. Lew died July 20, 2017.
After serving as a priest in East Grand Forks, MN and Bemidji, MN, Fr. Lew decided to take a leave of absence in 1991 due to struggles with the church’s stance on homosexuality and marriage in the clergy, as well as the absolute authority of the hierarchy. During these years Fr. Lew has lived in Chicago, IL and Fargo, ND. His desire to serve as priest was not allowed by his diocese of origin and he pursued ministry within the Independent Catholic Church movement. For a time he was chaplain to St. Clare’s Convent, Moorhead, MN and presided at Eucharistic Liturgies for the Recovery Community within the the Eucharistic Catholic Church. Desiring to return to parish ministry God directed him to the ANCC where he served as pastor of the former St. Odilia's American National Catholic Church. Fr. Lew died July 20, 2017.
