History of St. Michael –2003

St. Michael, Vicksburg’s youngest parish, was established on September 29, 1966,

with the installation of Father Frank Corcoran as founding Pastor.  The creation of our

parish resulted from a steady increase in the Catholic population of southern

Vicksburg and Warren County.

For years, many residents of Vicksburg attended old St. Michael Church on

South Washington Street.  The building, which was used as an elementary school by

the Sisters of Mercy, became a church in 1917 and was served by priests from St. Paul. 

In 1966, Bishop Joseph Brunini recognized the cohesion that existed with the small

church and grouped 160 families in to our new parish. 

Less than four years later, our present Parish Hall was built and served as the interim church,

dedicated by Bishop Joseph B. Brunini on May 14, 1970.  Located on a 40-acre tract just

off Fisher Ferry Road, the temporary church provided seating for 350 persons and room in

the spacious basement for educational and social activities.  In October 1971, the Rectory

was built to replace a temporary rectory that had been established in Marion Park in 1967.

Our present church, built under the direction of Father Noel Prendergast, was dedicated on

August 28, 1988, by Bishop William R. Houck.

Today, after 37 years, and now operating under the spiritual guidance of Father P. J. Curley,

our parish continues to grow, with membership of over 450 families.  We are blessed with

strong lay participation in our many spiritual, educational, social and community activities and

ready for continued service to God and his community in Vicksburg and Warren County.