On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Catholic Central High School hosted an ordination celebration honoring Father Dennis Noelke '71, CSB, and his 45 years of priesthood.

The evening began with Mass at 5 p.m., followed by a celebration in the Grand Hall where alumni, family, friends, and members of the Basilian community gathered to recognize Father Noelke’s lifelong dedication to Catholic education, ministry, and service.

Father Noelke’s connection to Catholic Central dates back to 1967, when he first entered the school as a freshman. He followed in the footsteps of several family members with ties to Catholic Central, including his uncle, Father Bill Gibbons ’41, CSB, and his older brothers, Bill ’66 and Rich ’69.

As a student, Father Noelke was actively involved in campus life. He participated in Glee Club, worked on the Spectrum and Shamrock student newspapers, contributed to Catholic Central’s first radio station, WCCH, and served on student council.

After graduating from Catholic Central in 1971, Father Noelke began pursuing his vocation with the Basilian Fathers. He attended Eastern Michigan University before graduating from University of Detroit Mercy with a degree in mathematics and a minor in psychology. He also completed teacher certification in Michigan, knowing that education would remain central to his calling.

He later continued his theological studies at University of St. Michael's College, where his desire to become a Basilian priest was solidified. He professed first vows in 1976, final vows in 1979, was ordained to the diaconate in 1980, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 9, 1981.

During the past 45 years, Father Noelke has served in a variety of leadership and ministry roles throughout Catholic education and the Basilian community. His work included serving as a teacher, campus minister, and principal at Aquinas Institute in Rochester, New York, Holy Redeemer in Detroit, and Catholic Central.

He also served at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Rochester and held leadership positions in higher education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and Assumption University in Windsor.

Within the Basilian community, Father Noelke served as Superior of local communities, Director of Vocations and Associates, Secretary/Treasurer General, and a member of the General Council. He also contributed to numerous boards and committees dedicated to Catholic education, religious life, and liturgy.

In 2014, Father Noelke returned to Catholic Central when Father John Huber invited him to serve as the school’s 20th principal. For Father Noelke, the opportunity represented a full-circle moment, returning to the school that helped shape his faith, vocation, and commitment to the Basilian values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.

Throughout the evening, those in attendance reflected on Father Noelke’s decades of faithful service and the lasting impact he has had on students, colleagues, parishioners, and the broader Catholic community.

Catholic Central is grateful for Father Noelke’s continued leadership, dedication, and witness to the Basilian tradition.