Rev. Michael P. Norkett

Deceased: 2018-01-18

Diocese: OAKLAND

CSM Graduation Year: 1991

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Fr. Michael Norkett peacefully journeyed home to God Thursday January 18th, 2018. He was a pastor here at Saint Joseph Parish, Old Mission San Jose from 1981 through 1990.

We will be having a Memorial Mass for Fr. Michael on Thursday, February 22nd at 7:30pm in St. Joseph Church. All are welcome to attend.

Born in Chicago, Father Norkett graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Loyola University in Chicago in 1964. Around that time, while on vacation in Rome, he met Oakland Bishop Floyd L. Begin, who was attending the Second Vatican Council. The bishop encouraged the young man’s vocation to the priesthood.

After returning to Illinois he studied at St. Procopius Seminary for three years and completed his studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. Rejoining his seminary classmates, Father Norkett was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop R. R. Blanchard in Joliet, Illinois on May 25, 1968.

Father Norkett also served at St. Lawrence O’Toole-St. Cyril Parish in Oakland; St. Augustine Parish, Oakland; Church of the Good Shepherd in Pittsburg; and St. Theresa in Oakland.

Father Norkett is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Anne of Chicago; and his sister-in-law, Barbara, also of Chicago; and 10 nephews and nieces.

Condolences can be sent to the Norkett Family c/o Diocese of Oakland, Clergy Services, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him.