Remembering Fr. Michael O'Connor

I wrote this blog for my benefit because Fr. Michael inspired me to (1) serve at the holy sacrifice of the Mass with reverence and love for our Eucharistic Lord and (2) give God my best when I proclaim the Gospel and preach.

I enjoyed serving with Fr. Michael and, especially, enjoyed sitting back and listening to him preach. (Actually, you can see me in one of the video clips the tribute that Shane H. Wilder put together - linked below).

I always wanted to be at my best when serving with Fr. Michael; however, I had a few "bloopers". The first was having to turn the Book of the Gospels the correct way at the ambo because the it was put in upside-down in the gold metal cover. I could see Fr. Michael shaking his head from the corner of my eyes. :) The second time was chanting the Alleluia before proclaiming the Gospel. As I learned afterwards, Fr. Michael does not chant the Gospel Acclamation when he celebrates Mass and there is no cantor. Again, I could see Fr. Michael shaking his head from the corner of my eyes.:)

The last time I served at Mass with him, Fr. Michael had to use the front pews to lean against during him homily because he was tired. Normally, he would pace back and forth so that everyone would know that he was speaking directly to them. As I listened to him preached and witnessed him giving everything he had out of love for God, I thought to myself that I have no excuse not to give God everything I have when I serve at Mass.

Thank you, Fr. Michael. Until we meet again. . .

. . .

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,

our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To thee do we cry, 

poor banished children of Eve.

To thee do we send up our sighs,

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

thine eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this our exile

show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Eternal rest grant unto, Fr. Michael, O Lord. Let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Here is a link to the collection of Fr. Michael's homilies during this time at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church: https://saintalbert.org/fr-michaels-homilies

Here is a link to Fr. Tom Reitmeyer's homily at Fr. Michael's funeral Mass on 2/6/2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18fBqichP9/. Fr. James Misko also gave a wonderful homily at Fr. Michael's funeral Vigil but I do not think it was recorded.

Also, here is a link to the song "Well Done" by Catholic Music Initiative - Kevin Kapchinski https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi_MDqhZdX0 that Fr. Tom shared in memory of Fr. Michael.

Here is a link to the video tribute that Shane H. Wilder, a St. Albert the Great parishioner, created: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcGZIDIbmi8

Here is Fr. Michael's obituary (posted by the Diocese of Austin):

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Father Michael J. O'Connor. While we mourn his loss, we rejoice that he is now at peace with God.

Fr. Michael's obituary and funeral arrangements are below:

Reverend Michael Joseph O’Connor, age 63, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Austin for nearly 21 years, passed away on January 26, in Austin, Texas. He was born on March 2, 1961, in Rotherham, United Kingdom, to Maureen and Harry O’Connor. Father Michael attended Ushaw College in Durham and St. Joseph’s College Seminary in Upholland.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Hallam in England on July 13, 1985, and began to serve in the Diocese of Austin in 2004 and was incardinated into the Diocese on April 8, 2013.

During his nearly 40 years as a priest, he will be best remembered for his inspiring and challenging homilies, his love of ministry by inspiring other young men to say yes to a life of service through the priesthood, his impeccable eye for detail and organizing countless priestly events. He possessed a steadfast love for our Blessed Mother, Mary, along with his own mother, Maureen, who formed and shaped him into the priest many loved and cherished.

A Visitation, followed by the Vigil for the Deceased and prayer of the Rosary will be Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 3201 Sunrise Rd., Round Rock, with the Visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Vigil with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Round Rock, with Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez presiding.

To continue Fr. Michael’s legacy of promoting priestly vocations, consider a memorial donation to the Catholic Foundation - Diocese of Austin, Seminarian Endowment (catholicfdn.org).