Father Michael Stechmann, O.A.R., '73
Father Michael Stechmann’s lifelong commitment to Catholic education began in Shawnee, Kansas, where he attended St. Joseph’s parish school from first through twelfth grade. After graduating from high school, Father Michael enrolled at Donnelly College, where he earned his associate degree in 1973. Fr. Michael then transferred to the University of Saint Mary, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1976. He received his Master of Education from Loyola Marymount University in 1981.
During his time at Donnelly, Fr. Michael became acquainted with the Order of Augustinian Recollects and he professed his vows to the order in 1974. For his first assignment, he served as a teacher and later principal in the Watts community in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2008.
Today, Fr. Michael is assigned to Mary Star of the Sea parish in Oxnard, California. He continues to serve as the archivist for his religious community and assists with the Marriage Tribunal of the Archdiocese. He has dedicated his many years of ministry to ensuring access to Catholic education for “those who might not otherwise be served.”