Mireau, Rev. Michael

• Fr.Catfish

Michael Mireau was born September 22nd, 1972 to Maurice and Linda Mireau. He was raised in a Catholic home. A stepping stone to his vocation would be his association with Camp Encounter, a Catholic summer camp, where he first attended as a child/teenager and later as a councillor with a leadership role. He studied Physics receiving a Master of Science in Mathematical Physics before answering his call to the priestly vocation. In August 1987 he entered seminary formation at St. Joseph Seminary. In 1999 he was sent to Good Shepherd Parish, Edmonton for his internship year. Completing the internship he returned to St. Joseph Seminary in 2000 and finished his academic studies in the spring of 2001. As a transitional deacon Michael Mireau was given the Parish of Villeneuve to serve and preach in; he was also appointed to the Liturgy Commission Office. On April 30th, 2002 he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Thomas Collins at St. Joseph's Basilica and was appointed as Associate Pastor to St. Theresa's Parish the following day. A year later, on August 6th 2003, Fr. Michael was made part of the Archdiocesan Vocation Team. In the next few years Fr. Michael would be appointed pastor in Leduc while also being part of the Archdiocesan Vocation Team. In 2010 Fr. Michael Mireau or "Fr. Catfish", as he was known by the youth, would be appointed to the role of Chaplain to Edmonton Catholic Schools. Unfortunately Fr. Michael was diagnosed with cancer during this time and his ministry to the schools would not be long. After battling with cancer for nearly four years Fr. Michael "Catfish" Mireau died September 22,2014. Archbishop Richard Smith presided the funeral Mass September 26, 2014 at St. Joseph's Basilica. A special reception was held after the funeral at St. Joseph's High School. Many students, youth and teachers were present at the funeral Mass. Fr. Michael's body was buried September 27th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery at Lac La Nonne.