Current CMRI Leadership and Organization

Overview

The current CMRI organizational structure developed following the 1989 leadership transition when Bishop Mark Pivarunas assumed authority after Denis Chicoine's removal through a vote of no confidence. This represents the third distinct phase of organizational development, following the Schuckardt era (1967-1984) and the Chicoine period (1984-1989).

Under Bishop Pivarunas's leadership, the organization relocated its administrative headquarters to Nebraska while maintaining significant operations at Mount Saint Michael and other historical properties in the Pacific Northwest.

Senior Leadership Structure

Episcopal Leadership

• Bishop Mark Pivarunas: Superior General based in Omaha, Nebraska. Assumed leadership in 1989 and was consecrated bishop by Bishop Moisés Carmona on September 24, 1991. Serves as the organization's primary authority and representative.

Senior Clergy

• Fr. Casimir Puskorius: Based at Mount Saint Michael in Spokane, Washington. Provides oversight for the organization's primary facility and has maintained continuous association since the Schuckardt era. Serves as pastor of the Mount Saint Michael community.
• Fr. Benedict Hughes (Kevin Hughes): Based at the City of Mary in Rathdrum, Idaho. One of two current CMRI priests ordained by Bishop Schuckardt prior to 1984. His family joined the organization during the 1970s, and he provides leadership for Idaho operations.
• Fr. Dominic Radecki: Based in Santa Clarita, California. Part of the Radecki family that joined the organization during the Schuckardt era following family legal disputes documented in court records. Serves California-area communities and contributes to organizational publications.
• Fr. Francisco Radecki: Based in Wayne, Michigan. Twin brother of Fr. Dominic Radecki with similar family background and organizational history. Provides services to Midwest communities and collaborates on theological publications.

These five individuals constitute the primary senior leadership structure, though additional clergy serve in various regional and specialized roles throughout the organization's geographical network.

Organizational Transition and Development

Leadership Succession (1989-1991)

The transition from Denis Chicoine to Mark Pivarunas involved significant organizational restructuring. Following Chicoine's removal through internal procedures, Pivarunas was elected Superior General and subsequently sought episcopal consecration to provide sacramental authority for the organization.

The 1991 consecration by Bishop Moisés Carmona established the current episcopal lineage, connecting the CMRI to the Thục succession line rather than the original Schuckardt lineage through Daniel Q. Brown.

Administrative Reorganization

Under Bishop Pivarunas's leadership, the organization implemented several structural changes:

• Relocation of primary administrative headquarters from Mount Saint Michael to Nebraska
• Establishment of more systematic organizational governance beyond single-leader authority
• Development of standardized educational and liturgical practices across multiple locations
• Creation of formal seminary training programs and clergy development procedures
• Implementation of coordinated publication and media outreach efforts

Family Connections and Organizational Continuity

Several current senior clergy represent second-generation involvement in the organization, reflecting patterns of family-based recruitment and long-term community commitment:

The Radecki Family

The Radecki brothers' involvement traces to their mother Emily's decision to join the organization during the 1970s, leading to documented legal proceedings with their father Henry Radecki. This case represents one of the documented family separation disputes from the Schuckardt era. Both brothers subsequently pursued priestly formation within the organization and now serve in senior roles.

Multi-Generational Leadership

The presence of individuals who experienced organizational development from childhood through adult leadership roles provides institutional memory and continuity across different historical phases. This pattern reflects the community-based structure that characterized the organization during its expansion period in the 1970s.

Contemporary Organizational Approach

Institutional Stability and Growth

Current CMRI operations emphasize organizational development, systematic administration, and careful public presentation. This approach differs significantly from the charismatic leadership model of the Schuckardt era and the transitional period under Chicoine.

Geographic Distribution

The organization maintains a distributed leadership structure with senior clergy based in different regions:

• Nebraska: Administrative headquarters and episcopal residence
• Washington: Mount Saint Michael operations and Pacific Northwest communities
• Idaho: City of Mary and regional services
• California: West Coast communities and outreach
• Michigan: Midwest operations and services

Publication and Education

Current leadership emphasizes theological education, publication of traditional Catholic materials, and systematic presentation of organizational positions. The Radecki brothers have contributed significantly to organizational publications defending sedevacantist positions and critiquing post-Vatican II developments.

Operational Characteristics

Contemporary CMRI operations under current leadership demonstrate several notable characteristics:

• Systematic administration and scheduling of sacramental services across multiple locations
• Coordinated educational programming through schools and catechetical materials
• Regular publication of newsletters, theological materials, and liturgical resources
• Maintenance of multiple residential facilities and institutional properties
• International outreach and coordination with traditionalist Catholic communities globally

These operational patterns reflect the organization's evolution from the personality-centered leadership of its early phases to more institutionalized administrative structures under current management.