Right as we were going to press, the Horizon learned that Father Michael P. Sepp, the Pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes, had died of cancer. He was 56 years old.
Fr. Sepp was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2008. His last mass was March 8 of this year. He died on March 13.
Three days later, mourners packed Sacred Heart Church on Shakespeare Avenue for Fr. Sepp’s mass. A standing- room- only crowd spilled into the entrance of the church.
Monsignor Robert M. Trainor, the senior priest of Sacred Heart Parish, told those gathered that he had saved his appointment book from 1989; it was on December 16 of that year that he first met Fr. Sepp. Msgr. Trainor said he spoke to Fr. Sepp when he visited him in the hospital the last week of Fr. Sepp’s life.
“In that conversation, which turned out to be our last,” Msgr. Trainor recalled, “He said, ‘I want to thank you for all you have done for me.’”
Msgr. Trainor said that he replied, “Father Michael, if I have done anything for you, I have done it because I love you.”
The Horizon will have a full story about Fr. Sepp’s death—and the Highbridge community’s reaction to his passing—in our April issue.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Father Michael Sepp dies of cancer
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Father Michael was a great presence in the Highbridge community..he changed the lives of my family...with his kind words and love...he was great with the youth in the community..and he will be greatly missed by them. My home has been filled with sadness since learning of his passing on Friday, March 13, 2009..my husband and I spoke to him after the last mass he attended on Sunday March 8, 2009 and he said to us to never give up and never lose our faith and he gave me the biggest hug as if he knew...I know that is doing well now with no more pain...but the sadness still remains in my heart..We will miss dearly
ReplyDeletefather Micheal was very devoted to service and remained very honest and hard working until his last call mey his hunble soul rest in peace
ReplyDeleteI had the Blessing of knowing Father. Father was a go get them priest. He would never sit, this man moved. He walk his community. The children would get so joyful to see him on their block.
ReplyDeleteHe would go upstate with our brother Micheal Grogen to visit the youth which made mistakes.
Father believed in the Youth he always wanted to make them see you could have fun and have time for the Lord.
Father would take the place of many childrens Dads. For many of the youth this was the person they turned to and they new he would always listen. Listen he did but then you had to listen to him. Even if you did not like what he said he would make sure you left him knowing he Loved You and God Loves You.
Father was at Sacred Heart for 9 years. Nine Graduations Nine Communions Nine Confirmations. Look how many youths he came along just at Sacred Heart.
Father Micheal bought the youth back to the Church. We know he is resting in peace.
Micheal Grogen has taken the vocation and I believe he had the example for one of the best.
We pray for him because he is also a go getter.
We Pray for Father Franco and we will give him all the assistance
We Pray for Antonia Daiiz she 98 years old and Father Micheal would have breakfast with her most mornings.
Open The eyes of my hear Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You
God Bless
Father never asked why him but many of us have questioned it, Forgive us Lord
Mama
This is very sad. I was at Fr. Sepp's first mass. I was also there when he was ordained. As a young woman, I found, then Deacon Sepp, and later Fr. Sepp to be very spiritual, enlightened, and inspirational. As the years went by, we no longer kept in touch. However, I was saddened to hear of his death. I have no doubt that Fr. Sepp lived his life in a manner which helped others to grow in God's faith. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteHis Was the best father ever
ReplyDeleteIn 1995 I got married and moved to NYC and he was our priest. My marriage wasn't successful but his presence and guidance was what helped me through it. I now live if Florida and for the past few days I have been thinking about him I just spoke to my dad and told him that I wanted to contact Fr Michael just to tell him how much it meant to me his support and understanding. I was planning a trip to NYC and wanted to see him for the first time since 1997. I am soo sorry that will never happen. I am sure he is with our Heavenly Father and Blessed Mother. Thank you Father Michael for being such a great friend....Love Always Jeannie
ReplyDeletei worked with father michael in the sacred heart rectory.. he was like a father to me and when i heard the knews i broke down ..we dearly miss him
ReplyDeleteFather Mike was more than a priest...he was my Dad when everyone turned there back on me. I miss him more than anyone could know...rip padrea
ReplyDeletei miss u dad...happy birth day
ReplyDeletePadrea has always been there for me and my family. He was there when my Dad was dying...he was there all through high school and college...I wouldnt be here today if it wasnt for father Mick. I called him about two week before he past and I knew that would be the last time I would hear his voice. He was a father to us all as well as a friend. I went up to New York to see Father at the cemetry and to pay my respect. I left him a small puerto rican flag in honor of all the things he has done for the hispanic community. He never let me down. He always treated me as if I was his son...me and lorenzo. I miss him more and more everyday...like a piece of me was ripped out of my heart. I know hes in a better place and I dont want him to suffer. Rest father...I love you -Fredo
ReplyDelete