Catholic Conference Director

Francis J. Coomes

Mr. Francis J. Coomes, who came to the Michigan Catholic Conference as executive director of Catholic Charities of Michigan, was entrusted with the responsibility of developing the mission of the Conference in accordance with the vision of the founding bishops.

Serving the Conference as executive director until his resignation in 1971. Founded in 1963, the Michigan Catholic Conference serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan on matters of public policy. In addition, the Michigan Catholic Conference develops, coordinates, and manages programs that provide retirement benefits, health, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage for lay employees and clergy, as well as property and casualty coverage for the Church throughout Michigan.

Interviewed by Bill Ballenger
82 minutes, August 20, 2008