In part 2 of our conversation with Reverend Monsignor David LiPuma and David Kersten, we continue discussing Father Baker’s work, how he planted the seeds for strong fundraising, and ways OLV has evolved to foster continued support of its mission.

ABOUT REVEREND MONSIGNOR DAVID LIPUMA

Reverend Monsignor David LiPuma is the Pastor and Rector at OLV National Shrine & Basilica. A Lancaster, New York native, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1987 by the late Bishop Edward Head.

He served as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great in Amherst, and later at St. Philip the Apostle in Cheektowaga. In 1993, Msgr. LiPuma was named acting director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Buffalo, a post he held until Bishop Henry J. Mansell appointed him as his priest secretary. He continued in that role under former Bishop Edward Kmiec, who retired in 2012 and under Bishop Richard Malone until 2013. In 2013, Msgr. LiPuma was named pastor of St. Peter's in Lewiston.

A graduate of Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York, Msgr. LiPuma went on to study in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical North American College where he received his theology degree from the Gregorian University in Rome.

ABOUT DAVID KERSTEN David J. Kersten is the Chief Executive Officer of OLV Charities - the fundraising and support services arm of Our Lady of Victory Organizations / “Father Baker’s.”

Kersten is the public face of the organization and responsible for the fundraising efforts of OLV Charities, which involve multiple channels, such as direct mail solicitations, fundraising events, planned gifts, charitable gift annuities, and other giving vehicles. He also oversees a full range of strategic and operational activities for OLV Charities, which include but are not limited to support service growth / retention, fiduciary oversight, and policy implementation.

Previously, Kersten served as Vice President of Development for Catholic Health System. He also functioned as President of ParishPay, Inc. in New York City and as Executive Director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.

Kersten received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Niagara University. He also received a Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a Master’s of Ecumenical Studies from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Additionally, Kersten received an MBA in Church Business Administration from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana.

Learn more about OLV: ⁠https://www.olvcharities.org/⁠