Meeting students where they are

Cross crafted by St. Michel's Parishioner

Several years have passed since Fr. Mike (Catfish) Mireau was the parish priest at St. Michael Church, Leduc.  This was his first parish and he was `superhero` ready to shepherd when he arrived in 2004.   He was super quick witted and passionate!  His homilies at times were stand-up comedy linked to pop culture and Star Wars that brought a wide-eyed look from some.  After the laughs, he purposefully led back to the gospel message, touching our hearts and always ending with `God is Love`(1 John 4:8). Fr. Mike was a brilliant academic, excellent communicator and wonderful story-teller.  On the topic of perseverance he related it to changing the alternator on his Hyundai and described it with great fun, detail and agonizing strain!

Fr. Mike captured the hearts of students at our Catholic Schools here in Leduc.  He professed his support of Catholic education as often as he could – he reminded parents during the baptism of their child the importance of educating their children through a Catholic school.  I was so grateful to him for making this claim and reminding us all that Catholic schools are an extension of the parish and contribute to the mission of the church.  Because of his easy connection to young people he spent a lot of time at the schools.  Mass at all schools was a big commitment but when he committed to regular confession times, the commitment could be for many hours.  He offered confession at Christ the King Jr/Sr High School in Leduc as often as he could.  Confession time was connection time, Fr. Mike was easy to talk to – his heart knew their struggles.  

Fr. Mike was ahead of his time in using social media. He used it to teach and share the Catholic faith.  His website http://fathercatfish.com/  has so many resources; videos, homilies, many interesting papers - `History of the Entire Universe` and `God is Love` - M.Div. Synthesis 2001, – excellent for families, Catholic school teachers and students!  He spoke openly about his cancer and documented it on his site.  After his passing our parish and school communities honoured him in different ways.  A student initiated a park bench in his memory which is situated near the church overlooking Telford Lake.  At Christ the King School families support an annual monetary award with a beautifully carved cross to a student who demonstrates Fr. Mike`s virtue of strong faith and staying true to one`s self, especially when it is difficult and lonely.  At Fr. Leduc Catholic School, the school motto is `God is Love`.   Our Catholic schools are forever grateful to parish priests who accompany students and meet them where they are at – these are God moments.  We know grace will take care of the rest and students will draw on their Catholic education experience, recognizing the love of Christ in their own faith journey. 

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Written by: Michelle Lamer, trustee for STAR Catholic School District

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