Bishop of Birmingham
Steven John Raica was born on November 8, 1952, in Munising, in the Diocese of Marquette (Michigan). After attending Sacred Heart Elementary School and William G. Mather High School, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University in East Lansing (1973). He pursued theological studies at Saint John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth (1973–1977). Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Detroit (1978) and later a Licentiate (1990) and Doctorate (1996) in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing on October 14, 1978. Following his ordination, he held the following positions: Parochial Vicar at Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton (1978–1979) and Saint Pius X Parish in Flint (1979–1984); Diocesan Director of Pastoral Care for the Deaf (1978–1985); Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Ovid (1984–1985); Co-Rector of Saint Mary Cathedral in Lansing (1985–1988); Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Charlotte (1991–1993); Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal (1991–1993, 1997–1999); Diocesan Consultor (1992–1993 and from 2006); Member of the Presbyteral Council (1992–1993, 1995–1997, and from 2005); Pastor of Saint Ann Parish in Bellevue and Chaplain of Olivet College in Olivet (1995–1997); Member of the Presbyteral Council (1996–1999 and from 2005); Vicar General (1997–1998); Chancellor (1997–1999); Superior of Casa Santa Maria in Rome (1999–2005). He has served as Diocesan Chancellor since 2005. On March 3, 1998, he was named a Prelate of Honour of His Holiness. In addition to English, he knows Italian, Polish, Latin, and sign language.