About the Pontiac Vicariate

The Pontiac Area Vicariate of the Roman Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Detroit is a geographical area consisting of a cluster of Roman Catholic parishes, schools, institutions and agencies where support, pastoral planning and resources are identified and shared for the benefit of the people beyond and within its boundaries. Currently there are two representative groups in place to assist in carrying out our mission: the Vicariate Pastoral Council and the Pastoral Ministers Association.

The mission of the Vicariate is to be responsive to the ministry of its parishes, schools, institutions, and agencies by:

• Coordinating pastoral planning
• Enhancing communications and networking
• Promoting collegiality
• Identifying and utilizing all resources which can be shared

In November 2009, Fr. Stanley Ulman, pastor of St. Mary of the Hills parish, was named Vicar of the Pontiac Area Vicariate. He succeeds Fr. Jerry Brzezinski, who held the post for seven years. In addition to serving as PAV vicar, Fr. Stan will continue to serve on the Archdiocese of Detroit Presbyteral Council.

Fr. Stan was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on August 25, 1973, at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Hamtramck. His first assignments were as associate pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Wyandotte, then at St. Gertrude's in Saint Clair Shores. In 1981 he was temporary administrator of St. Stanislaus and St. Bartholomew parishes in Detroit. In the summer of 1979 he was named associate pastor of St. Ladislaus Parish and was appointed pastor at St. Ladislaus in 1982. In July 2004 he was assigned pastor of St. Mary of the Hills Parish, Rochester Hills.

Always concerned about people’s needs and community issues, Fr. Stan uses his skills and talents by serving on numerous Archdiocesan, civic, and educational boards. Fr. Stan has previously served as Vicar of the SERF and North Central Vicariates. Active in the Polish-American community he is the moderator of the Catholic League for Religious Assistance to Poland and Vice-President of the Priests' Conference for Polish Affairs. He is a Regent of the Orchard Lake Schools and on the board of trustees for the Polish Mission at Orchard Lake. Fr. Stan's involvement in faith-based community organizing has led him to leadership positions within MOSES (Metro Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength) and Gamaliel of Michigan (MI*Voice). He takes an active part in the Rochester Ministerial Association (RAMA) and the Community Marriage Policy for Oakland County. He is an Archdiocesan Consultor, and a member of the Archdiocese's Incardination Board and Catholic Schools for the Future Committee.

Thank you for visiting our website. Please look around to learn about our member organizations, discover activities and services available to you, and see how the Pontiac Area Vicariate serves the North Oakland County community.