Brown County Sacred Heart Family of Parishes
As part of our archdiocese Beacon of Lights pastoral planning process, all the churches of Brown county will be recognized under one canonical parish called the Sacred Heart family of parishes. This will enable us to form a stronger parish centered on the Eucharist, that radiates the love of Christ and joy of the Gospel.
St. George Parish, Georgetown
St. Mary Parish, Arnheim
St. Michael Parish, Ripley
St. Michael, Mt Orab
St. Patrick, Fayetteville
Brown County Priests
At the heart of Brown County Catholics, Fr. Amberger and Fr. Cordonnier play pivotal roles in nurturing our faith and fostering a strong community bond. Their dedication and service inspire us all.
Fr. Amberger
Pastor
Learn More about Fr. Amberger
Fr. Frank Amberger is excited to be a pastor in southern Brown County, embracing the rural setting of the Archdiocese. In sharing his vocation story, he recalls his childhood dream of becoming a garbage man, later aspiring to be a veterinarian due to his love for animals.
While pursuing a degree in biology at St. Louis University, with plans to specialize in wildlife biology, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion. Despite initial resistance to the idea of priesthood, a transformative moment during his graduate studies at the University of Montana illuminated God’s plan for him.
After completing his year of graduate school, he entered seminary and was ordained in 1996. Fr. Amberger humorously reflects on how God brought his journey full circle—calling him from a childhood dream of being a “physical garbage man” to a “spiritual garbage man,” removing sin through the Sacrament of Penance.
“God has a perfect sense of humor!”
Fr. Cordonnier
Parochial Vicar
Learn More about Fr. Cordonnier
I grew up on a farm with four older siblings in a small town called
“Russia” in Ohio, pronounced “ROO-SHE”, which apparently is the French pronunciation of the country of the same name. Supposedly the first settlers of the area both grew a Russian variety of wheat and also thought that the frozen landscape reminded them of the lands that they had seen during the Franco-Prussian War.
I have fond memories of working out in the fields on an old John
Deere 4020 tractor. In my upbringing, my Dad always made sure to tell us kids to give praise to God for all things; the Sun, the rain, the harvest, and the very land itself. I did not know it at the time, but this idea echoes Psalm 148, which I now pray regularly in my prayers as a priest.
I have eighteen nieces and nephews. Before becoming a priest, I
was a Machinist. It was while I was working in a machine shop that I heard the call to be a priest.
I have been ordained for ten years and I would say that my favorite
part of being a priest is helping people turn away from the world and back to God.
Fr. Dohrman Byers
Retired Priest
Deacon Ronald Dvoracek
Deacon
Reach Out for Guidance
We invite you to connect with Fr. Amberger and Fr. Cordonnier for spiritual guidance, support, or any questions you may have. Your journey is important to us.
St. Michael's School
A Family-Oriented School and Faith Community
St. Michael School is more than just an educational institution; it’s a family. Rooted in the teachings of Christ, we foster a nurturing environment where students and their families feel a deep sense of belonging. Our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and rural values creates a unique community where faith and education thrive together.
