Rev. Michael Anthony Joyce

Deceased: 2017-07-30

Diocese: OAKLAND

Seminary Graduation Year: 1968

ICTE Fall: 1994

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Rev Michael Joyce, beloved founding pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in San Ramon, passed away July 30, 2017. He was 74. Born December 16, 1942, a native of Richmond, California, Mike was educated at St. Patrick’s College, Menlo Park and the Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1967. He received his PhD in education from the University of California, Berkeley.

Following his ordination in Rome in December 1967, Mike served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish Alameda, Most Precious Blood (now St. Francis of Assisi) Concord, Good Shepherd Pittsburg, and St. Jerome El Cerrito. He served as pastor of St. Michael’s in Livermore before retiring to Twain Harte. Mike was an avid skier and for years found joy teaching children and adults to ski at Dodge Ridge.

He was appointed pastor of the newly established St. Joan of Arc Parish in San Ramon in 1979, a position he held until 1994. Given ten acres, an abandoned farmhouse and an old walnut orchard Mike created the parish from the ground up with the dedication and commitment of a community he treasured greatly.

Mike spent many summers living on Inishbofin, a small island off the coast of Galway, working on his family cottage and filling in at the parish church when needed. He spent many a summer playing tour guide to young cousins who came to visit, walking them around the island sharing its history.

Mike is survived by his sister, nephew, nieces, first cousins and many second and third cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Loftus and his father Michael Joyce both from Ireland and his sister Patricia Tucker.

A Vigil Service will be held August 17th at St. Joan of Arc Church, San Ramon, CA. A Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Joan of Arc Church, on August 18th followed by a reception at the church