 Dear Parishioner: It
is with regret that we announce that Father Michel Gagnon, pastor of
San Luis Rey Parish for 14 years, passed away as a result of a stroke
on the morning of March 17, 2008. He was 77 years old, having just
celebrated his birthday on Marth 5th and 50 years as a Franciscan
priest.
Father Michel was instrumental in building the parish's
Serra Center about 10 years ago. He also served on the boards of the
Hospice of the North Coast and of Ivey Ranch Park Association, which
served developmentally disabled children.
Even after retiring
as our pastor in 2002, he remained active, ministering to the sick and
dying and volunteering as chaplain for the Oceanside Police Department
and Camp Pendleton. He was a member of the Oceanside Rotary Club and
served as president about three years ago. With a Master's degree in
counseling from Seattle University, he held many retreats for couples planning to marry.
There will be a Vigil and viewing
on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 7pm in the Serra Center. The funeral
service will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 2pm, also in the
Serra Center. Followed by his internment in the Mission San Luis Rey
Cemetery, there will be a reception in the McKeon Center at the parish.
Fr.
Michel wished to build a Committal Chapel in the newly expanded Mission
San Luis Rey Cemetery. He started collecting funds for this project,
estimated to cost $700,000.00 The Committal Chapel will seat 30
mourners, giving them a protected place to pray for their loved ones.
To
honor Fr. Michel, we are asking in lieu of flowers that you please make
a memorial gift in his honor for this chapel. Please make checks
payable to Mission San Luis Rey/Father Michel Committal Chapel, 4050
Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057
Finally,
would you like to share a story or memory about Fr. Michel? Or send the
Friars and his family your well wishes? Please go to this URL,
http://www.rememberingfrmichel.blogspot.com/ for the "Remembering Fr.
Michel" blogspot.
Please keep an eye on www.sanluisreyparish.org for updates.
Sincerely,
--The Staff at Sanluisreyparish.org |
