In Memoriam Fr Michael Shannon, LC | July 4, 1955-March 18, 2026
With profound sadness and firm hope in the Resurrection, we ask you to join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Fr. Michael Shannon, LC, who passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning. He was 70 years old. Fr. Michael, who had been serving as parochial vicar of St. Brendan the Navigator parish in Cumming, Georgia, for the last four years, sought to bring joy to all he encountered.
“He was always quick to smile and quick to serve. He always had something positive to say to those he worked with and all he met. He loved the parish, he loved to bring joy to everyone around him, and everyone loved him,” shared Fr. Scott Reilly, LC, pastor of St. Brendan the Navigator. As parochial vicar, one aspect of ministry Fr. Michael was intently focused on was visiting the hospital to give the anointing of the sick and bring Holy Communion, driving many miles and dedicating countless hours to those who were ill or dying and in need of his ministry. He deeply enjoyed the vibrant life of the parish, always engaged with the many ministries and events happening at St. Brendan’s.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised on Long Island, Fr. Michael was the oldest of four children. He discerned his call to the priesthood and entered the novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ in 1981 in Cheshire, Connecticut. Fr. Michael completed his priestly formation in the United States, Spain, Ireland, and Rome before being ordained to the priesthood on August 20, 1993.
Over almost 33 years of priestly ministry, Fr. Michael truly lived an adventurous and missionary life serving Christ in Europe, North America, and Asia. After ordination, he served for several years as a vocational promoter in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to Mexico, where he served in the center of apostolate in San Pedro as well as in ECYD. While in Mexico, he also served at the Irish International School in Monterrey, and as director of Regnum Christi sections in Xalapa and Orizaba.
Returning to the United States in 2006, Fr. Michael worked in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, San Jose, and Sacramento, as well as at the Legionaries’ apostolic school in Colfax, California. In 2011, Fr. Michael moved to Manila, the Philippines, for several years, where he worked with Regnum Christi before once again serving in Mexico. From 2013-2018, Fr. Michael worked in campus ministry at the Cumbres Institute in Mérida, as well as with the men’s, women’s, and young adult sections of Regnum Christi. He also served as chaplain for UNID University’s campuses in Tlalnepantla and Pachula.
In early 2021, Fr. Michael joined St. Brendan the Navigator parish in Cumming, Georgia as Parochial Vicar, serving there until he passed early this morning.
In this video, recorded just a few months ago, Fr. Michael shared his vocation story. We invite you to view it below.
Book of Condolences
You are invited to sign our book of condolences here. Your prayers and remembrances are deeply valued.
Funeral Arrangements
The Funeral Mass will be at St. Brendan the Navigator parish on Tuesday, March 24th at 11:00 am. There will be a viewing at 10:00 am, and a reception following the Funeral Mass.
Address: 4633 Shiloh Rd, Cumming, GA 30040
Livestream: The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed here and on St. Brendan’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fr. Michael’s Legionary Community or to St. Brendan the Navigator parish in his honor are gratefully accepted.
“If you want an adventure, the priesthood is an adventure”
In this video, recorded just a few months ago, Fr. Michael shared his vocation story. We invite you to view it and join us in giving thanks to God for his life and ministry.
Prayer After Death
Saints of God, come to his aid! Come to meet him, angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to the Most High.
May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; may angels lead you to Abraham’s side.
Receive his soul and present him to the Most High.
Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever.
Receive his soul and present him to the Most High.
Let us pray:
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that the soul of Father Michael, your servant and priest,
whom you honored with sacred office while he lived in this world,
may exult forever in the glorious home of heaven. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
In Memoriam Fr Michael Shannon, LC | July 4, 1955-March 18, 2026 Read More »
Fr. John Bartunek was ordained in 2003. He has taught moral theology at various ecclesiastical institutions at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and has authored many books, including the Gospel companion, The Better Part, and Inside the Passion, the only authorized behind-the-scenes look at the film, for which he provided on-set spiritual support. His online retreat guides are available in multiple formats at RCSpirituality.org. Fr. John currently resides in Atlanta, where he is serving as territorial vicar for the Legionaries of Christ.
