Father Michael Keucher grew up in St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington, Indiana. He attended St. Charles School, Bloomington North, and then Indiana University. He entered Saint Meinrad Seminary in 2009 and was ordained a priest on June 6, 2015.

Fr. Mike's first assignment was as parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Greenwood. He is now the pastor of St. Joseph and St. Vincent parishes in Shelbyville (since 2017), while also serving as vocation director (since 2019), and dean of the Batesville Deanery (since 2018). He is also chaplain for the Renovación Carismática in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis (since 2021). For a while, he taught at Marian University. 

Father Mike is not exactly the “sit still” type. He’s been known to drive a bus, write and direct school plays, lace up for a marathon, lose himself in a good book, or hop on a plane for a day trip. He enjoys good food, good friends, and just about anything that brings people together. At heart, though, his greatest joy is simple: loving God and being with his people.  

Who is your favorite saint?  St. Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy and renewed the Church with piety, zeal, and joy. He's my Confirmation saint!

If you could talk to anyone in the course of our history (dead or alive), who would it be and why?  The Blessed Mother, although I talk to her every day!

What is your favorite thing to do as a priest? Do you have a favorite sacrament you like to administer? Why?  I like walking with folks of all ages to Heaven. Each age is different, fun, and challenging! I love doing the sacraments, especially Mass of course and to give people Jesus - what an amazing thing! I also love to baptize and bring people into the Body of Christ, into the Resurrection, into the Life, into God! I love confessions too, of course! :) 

What is your favorite past time or hobby?  Jesus is my main hobby. Also,  I love hanging out with friends, eating, running, reading, dogs, biking, and driving cool stuff. 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?  Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides."

Did anyone (priest, religious sister, friend, etc.) make an impact during your discernment?  Fr. Charlie Chesebrough, Fr. Don Davison, Msgr. Bill Stumpf, and Fr. Mike Fritsch were hugely important in my discernment. My parents and brother also planted the seeds that were needed for my vocation to grow.

Any advice for someone discerning the priesthood or consecrated life?  Your vocation is the Treasure in the field - do whatever you have to do to be faithful to your calling. It is so worth it! God is worth everything!!! He can do ANYTHING in us if we deny him NOTHING! Give him a chance.