Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Michael Butler who died on 6 January at Conewood Care Home, Bishop’s Stortford where he had lived for over three years since his retirement.
Fr Michael was born 13 November 1934. He was educated at Bancroft’s School, Woodford Green, served in Royal Air Force (National Service) and was received into the Church at Chingford in 1955. He studied for the priesthood at St Augustine’s House, Walworth, and Venerable English College, Rome, where he was ordained by Cardinal Heard on 27 October 1963.
He was appointed as Assistant Priest at Chadwell Heath (1964-1971) after which he did further studies at Mount Oliver Catechetical Institute, Dundalk (1971-1972). He was Leader of BRES and Chaplain at New Hall (1971-1976). He undertook further studies in America (1976-1978), and on his return he was appointed as Assistant Priest at Leyton (1978-1980). He was then appointed Parish Priest: Brightlingsea (1980-2001 and Catholic Chaplain, University of Essex, Old Harlow (2001-2020). He was the first Secretary of the Senate of Priests (1967), and variously Chairman of the Art & Architecture Committee, Liturgical Commission and Historic Churches Committee.
Funeral Arrangements – Fr Michael Butler, RIP
On Thursday 8 February Fr Michael will be received into the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, Mulberry Green, Old Harlow CM17 0HA at 4.30pm, and the church will then be open for private prayer concluding with a Vigil Mass at 7pm celebrated by Fr John Corbyn.
On Friday 9 February Fr Michael’s Requiem Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Alan at Holy Cross Church, Tracyes Road, Harlow CM18 6JJ at 11.30am.