Bishop Michael J. Champion, Neighbor

Born in Peekskill, NY, I attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where I received undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Philosophy. Subsequently, I graduated from St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology of the RC Diocese of Cleveland, OH, with a Master of Arts degree in Sacred Theology.<br><br>Ordained a priest and later a bishop in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, I ministered for many years in the greater Cleveland area, principally among immigrants from Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe. Since my return to the Peekskill area in 2005, my ministry has been focused largely within the Latino community.<br><br>For the past three years, I have had the honor of being president of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association (PAPA). Our interfaith organization is over 150 years old and we represent clergy and others in ministry from many different religious confessions.<br><br>I am involved in other community based, grassroots organizations in both the Hudson Valley and the New York City areas, with a focus on the rights and dignity of the immigrant population, the LGBT community, and others who find themselves disengaged or alienated from the mainstream of society.<br><br>Locally, I am the pastor of the Parroquia Católica San José in Montrose, a primarily Spanish speaking parish, which is inclusive in its nature, Catholic in its faith and tradition and open to all people, regardless of their state of life. In addition, as an archbishop, I oversee other parishes throughout the United States and Latin America.