St. Michael’s Parish : Our Story

Beginnings

St. Michael’s Parish in Oakville emerged from a rich Catholic history in the region. Before its founding, Oakville’s Catholic community was served by St. Andrew’s Parish (est. 1840), St. Dominic (1955), and St. James (1961). In 1969, Monsignor Harrigan began celebrating Mass in St. Michael School’s gym. A 1974 census revealed 700 Catholic families in North Oakville, leading Bishop Paul Reding to establish parish boundaries on July 15, 1975. Father James Mihm was appointed the first pastor, celebrating the parish’s first Masses that September.

Early Growth and Construction

By 1976, key sacraments were being celebrated, and fundraising began for a permanent church. In 1977, architects Tony Horton and Jim Ball were selected, and Schiedel Construction was contracted. Groundbreaking took place on June 25, 1978, with construction costs of $651,000, partially financed by diocesan loans. Father Mihm personally built the sanctuary furniture. Bishop Reding blessed the completed church on April 29, 1979.

Expansion and Leadership Changes

From 700 families in 1975, the parish grew to 1,700 by 1979. Leadership passed on to Father Peter Coughlin in 1986, and by 1996 the parish had grown to 2,500 families. That year, Bishop Anthony Tonnos divided the parish to form Mary Mother of God Parish. St. Michael’s continued to serve College Park, River Oaks, and the Spanish-speaking Catholics of Halton.

Bilingual Mission and Cultural Diversity

In 1999, Father Ted Slaman began monthly Spanish Masses, which later became weekly, nurturing a growing Hispanic community. Subsequent pastors—including Fathers Robert Dunn, Cesar Giraldo, Jason Kuntz, and Jerzy Tomon—strengthened Hispanic ministry while embracing the parish’s multicultural identity, welcoming parishioners from around the world. In 2013, Bishop Crosby officially designated St. Michael’s as a bilingual parish.

Recent Years and Ministries

The parish continues to experience steady growth in both numbers and activities. It offers a 24/7 Adoration Chapel and hosts a variety of spiritual groups that serve the needs of women, men, young adults, and children.

Mission and Future

Led by its clergy, lay ministers, and volunteers, the parish’s mission is to create a spiritual home for all. In its Jubilee Year of Hope, St. Michael’s continues adapting to the needs of its parishioners while honoring its history and looking ahead to the next chapter of community faith and service.