Father Michael Newman, OSFS
Father Mike was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. The oldest of three boys, Father Mike is one of several North American Oblates whose brother is also an Oblate priest (Father Joe Newman, OSFS). Father Mike attended St. Francis de Sales High School and then DeSales University where he majored in Spanish and was certified as a K-12 teacher. Following graduation, Father Mike entered the Oblates in 2003 and moved to Toronto where he earned a Master of Divinity degree from the University of St. Michael’s College. He was ordained a priest in 2009.
During his formation process, Father Mike spent one summer at St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish (now Holy Family Parish) in Adrian, Michigan, ministering to the local Hispanic community and to the seasonal migrant workers. Following ordination, he returned to Holy Family each weekend to celebrate the bilingual Mass and, in 2016, lived there in residence while finishing his doctoral dissertation. In 2018 he earned a Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic University of America in Adult Spiritual Formation.
Father Mike has been the pastor of Holy Family Parish since 2019. He is well known for his dynamic homilies, Mass on the Grass, work with the parish youth group, and support of the Hispanic community in Adrian and throughout the Diocese of Lansing. He also serves as the University Chaplain at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, and is a member of the Salesian Scholars Seminar.
In addition to his ministry in Adrian, Father Mike coordinates and leads parish missions and retreats throughout the United States that focus on living the principles and practices found in Salesian Spirituality. He has also served the Oblates as the Assistant Provincial of the Toledo-Detroit Province since 2014. In this capacity, he works in close collaboration with Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS, Provincial, on the general oversight and governance of the Province.
When asked about his life and ministry Father Mike said, "I try to teach Salesian Spirituality regardless of the ministry I am engaged in. This spirituality of optimism, hope, gentleness toward others, and humility, or self-knowledge, has really changed my life and I enjoy being able to preach and teach it and see how it can change the lives of others. As the Assistant Provincial, I see my role as one of service to my brother Oblates. Leadership works best when it empowers others to, as St. Francis de Sales would say, 'be who you are and be that well’ so that together we can continue to spread the Gospel."
His prior ministry experience includes serving at St. Francis de Sales School as a Spanish and theology instructor and Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning (2009 – 2012), serving as Director of Novices for North American Provinces of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (2012-2021), and Vocation Director for the Toledo-Detroit Province (2011 – 2022).
Learn More about Father Mike:
Father Mike’s Publication: “Be Who You Are and Be That Well Salesian Principles and Practices for the Devout Life” Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC.
