Father Michael Shannon

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.

Father Michael is the beloved son of the late James and Agnes Shannon; loving brother of Lawrence (Ellen) Shannon, Margaret and the late (Wayne Rubert), and Nancy (Steve) Kelly; loving uncle of Mary (Andy) James, Brittany (Alex), Kacie (Charlie), Steven (Lindsay), Scott and Spencer; and Great Uncle to Emily, Hailey, Lorenzo and Cecelia and more on the way.

“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, and to share your prayers and messages for his family in our book of condolences.

https://youtu.be/1eMbqWzvYRU?si=Anutgzy3KRH2YNPD

In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Fr. Michael’s honor to his Legionary Community or to St. Brendan the Navigator Parish are deeply appreciated.

Visitation will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 24, from 10:00AM-11:00AM. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held immediately following at 11:00AM at St Brendan Catholic Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Dr. Cumming, GA 30040, 770-886-9899, mcdonaldandson.com.