Office of the Vicar for Priests

Father Michael Cummins, Vicar for Priests

Father Michael Cummins was appointed Vicar for Priests by Bishop Richard F. Stika on July 1, 2022.

He has been a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville for 27 years. 

As Vicar for Priests, Father Cummins represents the pastoral care of the bishop to priests in addition to representing the needs of priests to the bishop.

Father Cummins chairs the Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry as well as the Priest Material Concerns Committee. In his vital role, Father Cummins also develops and fosters the ongoing formation of the diocesan presbyterate via the annual priest retreat, convocation, and study days, as well as working to provide resources at key times in the life of a priest. This includes providing resources and programs for the newly ordained, new pastors, priests seeking sabbaticals, international priests, and priests approaching retirement.

The Vicar for Priests also meets with brother priests who might be experiencing difficulties in their life or ministry with the hope of helping them navigate toward a positive outcome and solution.

As Vicar for Priests, Father Cummins maintains contact with priests on leave and those experiencing health issues. He works to provide prayer opportunities throughout the year for priests seeking to grow in the spirituality of priesthood, as well as fraternity with other priests. 

Father Cummins also offers consideration on possible priest assignments when requested by the bishop.  

Father Cummins was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville in 1995. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and has served the diocese in various other capacities.  In addition to his role as Vicar for Priests, Father Cummins is pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, not far from his original hometown of Johnson City.