Fr. Mike’s Refections on 53 Years of Priesthood

Reflecting on the memories, the challenges, and the blessings of 53 years, it’s hard to believe they have come and gone. I am first grateful to God and my parents, my family, and the many who have been there for me along the way, especially Mike and JoAnn Stein and family. They have been my family away from home for most of my priesthood. 

I have had the pleasure of being pastor to four parishes: St. Isidore the Farmer, Our Lady of Mercy, St. Thomas More, and St. Alphonsus Liguori. I have had many blessings, challenges, and much to be grateful for, especially the wonderful people I have met in these four assignments.

I have been blessed to have held many Diocesan assignments: Director of the Office of Religious Education, Ecumenical Office, Judge in the Tribunal, Director of Pastoral Services, member of the Building and Review Committee, member of the Diocese Finance Council, Dean for both the North and the South Deanery, member of the Bishop’s Cabinet, Chair of the Personal Board and many others assignments. However, the blessing to me has always been the unbending generosity of the people with whom I have served in all of the parishes where I have been assigned. Since my ordination, many things have changed over the years. I, like many, have lost both of my parents and many great friends. Reality kicks in very fast when the funeral you are celebrating is your own parents and very close friends. When I celebrated the funerals for my parents, I gained a deep appreciation of what that moment is like for the many funerals I have been celebrant for.

I have been asked many times, and often recently, have you ever regretted leaving Ireland and coming to Louisiana? Regretted no; missed home, yes. Like others I know from other countries, from the day I came to Louisiana I have missed most family birthdays, weddings, Christmas, Easter, etc. My close friends have always been there for me at those times.

Having been ordained right after Vatican II, it was, for me and for most Catholics, a wonderful time for the church. It was the first time that lay people could become involved in the life of the church, and it has always been a delight for me to see so many people involved at St. Alphonsus Liguori. 

It is with humble and sincere appreciation that I say thanks to the many parishioners who have blessed me and the parishes I served with so many gifts and talents over the years and to the staffs who make so many great things happen behind the scenes. 

There have been so many great staffs I have had the opportunity to work with, and I say thanks for all that you have done for me and so many.

Special thanks to JoAnn Stein, who for over 46 years has been a true blessing for me with her great administrative gifts. Because of such, I have been able to do what I was ordained to do as a priest. Such a job is not easy, as tough decisions have to be made, and I will be forever thankful for what she has done extremely well.

In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks for all who have been part of this journey with me. I will be always grateful for you, and you will be in my prayers. 

Many thanks to the family who have made it possible for me to live here in Central; may God bless them. I am very happy that I can continue to be a parishioner here as I say goodbye to being your pastor. 

I welcome Fr. Jason Palermo, and I wish many blessings and my support.