In Loving Memory of Archpriest Very Reverend Mark William Shuey, a beloved priest, husband, father, spiritual shepherd, and servant of the Catholic community, has entered into eternal rest at his home on August 9, 2026.

Born on June 15, 1964, the last of nine children to the parents of Gloria Jane Shuey and Thomas Francis Shuey, Father Mark leaves behind a legacy measured not simply by the parishes and missions he served, but by the countless lives he touched through his priesthood, friendship, compassion, and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. His earliest formation began with daily recitation of the rosary with his maternal grandmother, who instilled a life long devotion to Our Blessed Mother. His faith was further formed by his parents who both spent the first decade of their adult single life in religious orders. Ordained first to the diaconate in 2005 and then to the priesthood in 2007, Father Mark devoted himself to the Ukrainian Catholic Church and to the work of bringing people together in faith.

He served as pastor and administrator of missions throughout North Carolina and the surrounding region, including the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Raleigh and communities in Garner, Cary, Southern Pines, Charlotte, as well as Knoxville, South Carolina and Kentucky. As a pastor, he counseled over eight couples in marriage preparation, instilling not only the theology of holy matrimony as a priest, but the practical application of married life as a husband and father.

One of Father Mark’s greatest gifts was his vision for building communities where none yet existed. He understood that the Church was called not merely to maintain what had already been built, but to go outward— to welcome those searching for a spiritual home, to serve families scattered across a growing region, and to bring the beauty of the Eastern Catholic tradition to new generations. He traveled extensively to serve faithful communities, helped nurture emerging missions, and played an important role in establishing new Catholic communities across the Carolinas. His work extended beyond the walls of a church, reflecting his belief that faith must be lived through service, mercy, prayer, and personal encounter.

Additionally, as a Marine, he applied his military zeal to his passion for the diaconate and priesthood, leading men to service in the Kingdom. In a very real sense, he sought to form an army of deacons and priests to plant several churches and missions to serve souls in the Southern Deanery of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat. He helped to establish the Holy Apostles Institute in 2008 to form these men, and its work continues to this day. As a result, dozens of men have discerned and many have been ordained and serve in vocations in the diaconate and presbyterate.

Father Mark was also known for his commitment to service beyond parish life. He participated actively in outreach and pro-life ministry and was remembered for bringing prayer and the Church’s witness into the wider community. His journey to the priesthood was itself a testament to the transforming power of faith. Raised Roman Catholic in California, Father Mark later embraced the Ukrainian Catholic tradition alongside his wife, Dawn. He brought to his priesthood both a deep love of the Church and an appreciation for welcoming people who were searching for a place to belong.

He and Dawn raised five children, and his family remained an important part of his life and ministry. Fr. Mark had his DSc (Doctorate of Science) and a B.S. in Materials Engineering from San Jose State University. He was also an inventor and had a number of patents to his name, especially in the arena of plasma and thermal technology. One could say that he was something of a Renaissance man.

On a more personal level, Mark was a true Irishman with the gift of the gab who could talk to anyone, no matter who you were or where you were from. With his amazing sense of humor and wit, he fit into every room he entered and made everyone feel comfortable and seen. He could speak at length on just about any topic, especially in the realm of theology, science, philosophy, music, movies and sports. As a young man, he was an avid athlete who played football and competed in track and field events including the discus, hammer, shotput and javelin. He was an avid Sci-Fi fan, loved reading books, doodling, wearing hawaiian shirts, and #1 fan of all things frog related. He wrote and illustrated the first, of what was to be many more, stories around two young characters Joe and Molly who lived in an orphanage, for his children.

Those who knew Father Mark will remember much more than his titles and accomplishments. They will remember a priest who showed up when he was needed, who traveled long distances to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, who welcomed newcomers, who encouraged the formation of new communities, and helped mentor and foster vocations to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Above all, he reminds us to keep the faith and keep it with JOY!

Given the origin of his Byzantine vocation at Holy Transfiguration Monastery at Mt. Tabor in Redwood Valley, CA, there was a certain fittingness insofar as providence welcomed him into eternity the Sunday after Holy Transfiguration. As with many things, Fr. Mark went on ahead of us to lead the way. Well done, good and faithful servant. May your memory be eternal. Вічная пам'ять! — Eternal Memory!

Service details to be announced soon.