By Lilla Ross
When Msgr. Michael Houle was growing up on Jacksonville’s Northside, he couldn’t decide whether to become a teacher, an architect, or a priest. Forty-five years ago, he chose the priesthood and has since embodied all three roles.
Inspired by a Redemptorist priest at his school, Holy Rosary, Msgr. Houle initially considered the priesthood. However, the missionary aspect of the Redemptorist order made him hesitant. It wasn’t until he attended Bishop Kenny High School that he discovered diocesan priests and seriously began contemplating a vocation.
After graduating in 1971, Msgr. Houle earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and two master’s degrees in theology from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained by Bishop Paul Tanner in 1979 at his home parish of St. Patrick’s.
His first assignments were teaching religion at Bishop Kenny High School and serving as assistant pastor at Assumption Parish. A year later, he became chair of the school’s religion department. During his tenure, he earned two additional master’s degrees in education, administration and supervision, and curriculum and instruction from the University of North Florida.
In 1986, Msgr. Houle returned to the Josephinum to teach religious studies and serve as development director. After three years, Bishop John J. Snyder called him back to the diocese to address declining enrollment at Bishop Kenny. Msgr. Houle committed to a five-year term as president, which extended to 27 years. Under his leadership, enrollment surged, programs strengthened, facilities expanded and he beautified the campus.
From 2000, Msgr. Houle also served as president of St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Augustine for 15 years. He oversaw the construction of St. Francis Academy in Gainesville and Bishop Snyder High School in Jacksonville. His roles extended to weekend assistant at various parishes and administrator and pastoral associate at several others.
As Bishop Snyder’s master of ceremonies since 1989 and diocesan master of ceremonies, he was integral in establishing the Ministry Formation Program with Sister Lucy Clynes. He has taught morality classes for 30 years and served as interim director for five years. In 1999, he joined the Board of Trustees at St. Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.
Under Bishop Victor Galeone, Msgr. Houle took on fiscal responsibilities, including interim director of the Diocesan Capital Campaign and Stewardship Office, the Finance Council, and the Finance Planning Committee. When Bishop Galeone retired in 2011, Msgr. Houle was named Episcopal Vicar for development and finance by Bishop Felipé Estévez. He launched the Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal (BASA), funding diocesan ministries and the Catholic Foundation overseeing endowments.
In 2015, Msgr. Houle retired as president of Bishop Kenny and became pastor of St. Paul’s Parish in Jacksonville Beach. He initiated a feasibility study for a new church building, resulting in a $10 million, 1,200-seat sanctuary completed despite pandemic delays.
In 2021, Pope Francis honored him with the title of Monsignor, recognizing his exceptional service. Reflecting on his journey, Msgr. Houle remarked, “If you really like what you’re doing, the time flies. I’ve always been very happy and liked what I’ve done. It’s gone by fast.”
Box
A Legacy of Diocesan Development & Leadership
In celebration of his 45th anniversary of ordination, the Catholic Foundation has established the Msgr. Michael Houle Endowment to benefit Bishop Kenny High School students. “Msgr. Houle has done so much for us – for Catholic education, for the foundation, for stewardship and the finances for the diocese,” said Patricia DiSandro, executive director of the Catholic Foundation. “This will solidify his legacy and tie in nicely with his time at Bishop Kenny. He has a passion for Catholic education. Bishop Kenny wouldn’t be where it is today without him. He loves the church. He has gifted his life to our church.”
Gifts to the endowment can be made online at Catholic Foundation Giving or mailed to the Catholic Foundation, 11625 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258. For questions, contact the Catholic Foundation at catholicfoundation@dosafl.com or call (904) 262-3200, ext. 139.
