August 28, 2024

Father Michael Goodreau named president of Catholic Charities Agency

REGIONAL
Staff report

Rev. Michael Goodreau, newly appointed president of the Catholic Charities Agency.

SPRINGFIELD – Bishop William D. Byrne has named Father Michael Goodreau as president of the Catholic Charities Agency of the Diocese of Springfield (CCA). This is a new position, part of a restructuring of this diocesan charitable ministry.  

Raised in Wilbraham, Father Goodreau earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. After graduation, he began an 18-year career with the FL Roberts company, providing various staff and executive training, as well as business development.

It was during that time he discerned a calling to the priesthood, entering Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass. in 2015.

On Aug. 15, 2020, he was ordained a priest at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Pittsfield. Then in January of 2023, he was named administrator at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Granby where a few months ago he was installed as the pastor there.  He will continue in that role while taking on these new duties.

“Father Michael’s vocation story makes him the ideal candidate for this new position,” commented Bishop Byrne. “He brings nearly 20 years of business experience and acumen that will undoubtedly help to strengthen the mission of the Catholic Charities Agency.”

Father Goodreau said he is honored to be named by Bishop Byrne to this new position, gratefully accepting this appointment.

“I was humbled by the confidence Bishop Byrne has shown in me to undertake these new responsibilities,” Father Goodreau said. “I look forward to working with the interim director, Joan Paris, and the Catholic Charities staff to explore ways in which we can help those in need across the four counties of western Massachusetts, maintaining our Catholic identity and mission.”