Good memories, acts of kindness, and a lot of Catholic high school fun are what stand out for Fr. Mike Pontarelli ’73, OSM over his years of teaching at Servite, 1981-2005. Fr. Mike taught Theology II, III, IV, and English Grammar and served as Theology Department Chair, activities director, campus minister, year book moderator, and Football Team Chaplain.
“My ministry at Servite was a gift that fell into my lap,” he said. “I was assigned to do what I really wanted to do as a Servite religious and priest: evangelize the next generation of the Church.” He sought to lead students to believe their faith with understanding, realize that faith and reason are not enemies, and to form a relationship with God as an adventure to the fullness of life. To that end, students would learn that love and service are synonyms, to live not for self but to be a brother to others. His experience with students led to maintaining friendships with them as alumni where he has observed them to be wonderful husbands and fathers. “It has been the blessing of my ministry and life to witness your marriages, baptize your children, celebrate funeral Masses, and just be a friend. Pray for me as I do for you,” he said. Fr. Mike is pastor of St. Juliana Parish in Fullerton.
