Father Michael Parise was raised in Woburn, Massachusetts and attended public schools there.  After high school, he obtained a degree in biology from Boston University, hoping to become a dentist.  God had other plans though!  In 1974 Fr. Michael entered St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Mass., and received a Master of Divinity degree upon ordination to the priesthood in 1979.  Later he completed a Master of Arts degree in historical theology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in ecumenical theology.  He has served in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston and became pastor of St. Andrew Parish in 1997.

Father Michael has a broad set of interests that he brings to his parish ministry: experience in pastoral counseling and adult education, a love for history, training in evangelization, catechetics, and ecumenism, an eye for liturgical arts and design, as well as strong administrative skills. In 2001 he presided over the restoration of the interior of St. Andrew Parish and continues, with the help of generous parishioners, to maintain the fabric of this historic center of Catholicism in Billerica.

He is a published author and an accomplished artist.  His medium is acrylics on canvas and his portfolio includes over eighty paintings, which can be seen on his personal web site.  For information about his website, contact him at pastormichael1@juno.com  When emailing, please type "Fr. Michael Mail" in the subject line to identify legitimate email.  You may also call him at 978-663-3624.

Fr. Michael's other avocations include cooking, yoga, teaching, and architecture history. His theology of pastoral ministry is one of welcome for all people who sincerly seek God and desire to walk with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in and through the Church community. Father Michael welcomes questions and comments from anyone interested in making the outreach of St. Andrew Parish more effective.