Introducing Fr. Tim Ramaekers to Corpus Christi Community

His favorite sound is a basketball game playing in the background and his favorite question is “What’s the score?”

Fr. Tim Ramaekers, currently the pastor of St. Joseph parish in Placentia, has been reassigned to in Aliso Viejo, effective July 1. With his own style and enthusiasm to become part of the Aliso Viejo community, Ramaekers said he “is excited about the new venture.”

After 15 years as pastor at St. Joseph’s, he feels bittersweet about leaving behind his parish family in Placentia to begin a new one.

The people of St. Joseph’s “left an incredible mark on my soul. It’s absolutely wonderful,” he said.

St. Joseph’s director of stewardship, Stacey Settelmayer, met Ramaekers 15 years ago when she was a volunteer for the youth ministry. She said she has mixed feelings about his new assignment in Aliso Viejo.

“I’m sad. He’s been a wonderful pastor for St. Joseph’s. The community is really going to miss him,” she said. “Now [Aliso Viejo gets to] share in the gift that is Fr. Tim. I’m very happy for them.”

Ramaekers said he has been a priest for 30 years, but St. Joseph’s was his first time as a pastor.

When asked how he intended to fill the well-loved shoes of Corpus Christ’s current pastor, Fr. Fred Bailey, Ramaekers laughed.

“Fr. Fred is an icon in Aliso Viejo,” he said. “I definitely have huge shoes to fill, but I am also confident in my own ability. I will need the support of the people of God. Can’t do it without them.”

Ramaekers and Bailey were seminary classmates in 1980. Ramaekers said he has seen Bailey in action and has a good feel for his style, but plans to bring his own stamp to Corpus Christi.

Settelmayer said: “He [Ramaekers] is very down to earth. What you see is what you get. He is a very real person.”

Although he has not met with the Corpus Christi parishioners yet, he looks forward to the first introductions and becoming part of the community.

Ramaekers said he welcomes questions and conversations about his past and, during his first services on July 7 and 8, will specifically address a past “false accusation” of sexual misconduct.

The man who made the allegation in 2009 claimed to have recalled repressed memories of sexual abuse by four priests and one layperson from 1978-86 at St. Justin Martyr, according to church documents and Corpus Christi's parish bulletin.

The bulletin said "the early investigation gave rise to wide discrepancies and factual inaccuracies," so Ramaekers was "never removed from ministry nor placed on administrative leave," although announcements of the accusation were made at every parish where he had ever served. “As the investigation continued it was determined that the accusations against Fr. Tim were false.”

Ramaekers added: “I am very transparent about this. Anyone with questions may approach me at any time. I welcome conversation about it.”

Besides learning the community and meeting the people of Corpus Christi, Ramaekers said he looks forward exploring the many hiking trails in the area.