Leadership Team
Fr. Gregory Barras – Chair
Ordained 1984; Diocese of Biloxi
I am Gregory Michael Barras, a priest of the Diocese of Biloxi for thirty-five years. I have been Director of Youth and Co-Director of Continuing Ed in our diocese. I am privileged to serve on the AUSCP Leadership Team. My love of Church is centered in Vatican II spirit. AUSCP embodies, envisions, and lives this spirit. As we follow Pope Francis, inspiration, vision, and mission give me life and desire to serve.
Fr. Mike Bausch – Vice-Chair
Ordained 1979; Diocese of Rochester, NY
Michael ‘Mike’ Bausch was born and raised in Batavia, NY, holds a BA degree from St. Bernard College, Cullman, Alabama and Master Degree from St. Bernard’s Seminary, Rochester, NY, and was ordained in 1979 for the Diocese of Rochester, NY. Since 2002 Mike has been the pastor of The Church of the Transfiguration Parish in Pittsford, NY. His previous assignments included parish ministry, he also has served as the Executive Director of both Catholic Family Center, Rochester and Southern Tier Office of Catholic Charities, Elmira, NY. Mike has served on the Camp Stella Maris Board, DePaul Clinic Board, first Chair of the Diocesan Public Policy Committee, Development Committee of Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes and Catholic Charities of Wayne County, Catholic Family Center (CFC) Board, Diocesan Catholic Charities Board, Diocesan Priest Personnel Board, Diocesan Presbyteral Council and numerous community agencies boards. He was also a member of the New York State Catholic Conference Public Policy Committee and Catholic Charities USA Social Policy Committee. He continues to serve, in an advisory capacity, the CFC Board and Catholic Charities Board and remains active on numerous community agencies.
Fr. Ray Cole
Ordained 1972; Diocese of Metuchen
I have had the happy experience of being involved in Social Justice Issues throughout my priesthood working in the inner city, in Appalachia and in Guatemala and rebuilding in Mississippi after Katrina. I collaborated with many parishioners of different ages to be a presence where there was need at home or beyond. We built several buildings and installed a solar farm and other environmental safeguards. We established a sister Parish relationship in Guatemala where the ministry continues on several levels. I have served in many roles on the Diocesan level. I worked to enact things which AUSCP now is working on, especially collaboration. Gathering with priests to me is life-giving. Good Liturgy is a passion. I strive to grow spiritually and believe that prayer is essential for life.
Michael Hickin – Secretary
Fr. Tulio Ramirez – Membership
Ordained 1990; Yarumal Missioners
Tulio Ramirez was born in Medellin, Colombia, where he was taught be LaSalle priests. He joined the Yarumal Missioners and was ordained in 1990. His ministry took him to Kenya (61/2 years), Ethiopia (9 years), and presently he serves as pastor at the Church of Our Saviour in The Bronx, NY, where he has served the Latino community for 13 years.
Tulio brings to the Leadership Team a broad missionary mindset of priesthood and extensive experience in working with other cultures.
Staff
Fr. Stephen Newton, CSC – Executive Director
Ordained in 1989; Congregation of Holy Cross
Stephen Newton is a member of Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana. He serves as a Campus Minister at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame. When asked what strengths do you bring to the Leadership Team of the Association of US Catholic priests, he answered: Creative thinking; persistence; faith in the Spirit; desire for authenticity; help others see in new ways.
“I consider status quo to be merely a step to what is next in any endeavor, including religion and spirituality. So I am always looking for new ways to understand and proclaim the Word. Often enough, therefore, I initially find myself on the margins rather than at the center of developments until persistence leads to understanding. Then, it’s time to move on.”
“I have a special affinity for those who have been hurt by the institutional church, ministering primarily to others on the margins: homeless and addicted people; disaffiliated and minority groups; students and catechumens. My approach has tempered through age and experience but thirst for what is right has not. Some folks think my use of spontaneous humor can be very effective; some do not.”