Rev. Michael J. Sheehan

Rev. Michael J. Sheehan was born on September 13, 1948 and baptized at Holy Rosary Church in Edgewater. From a young age, he was shaped by family, faith, and a deep sense of compassion. He attended St. Cecilia's High School in Englewood, Seton Hall University in South Orange, and Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington. Before entering the seminary, Fr. Mike taught in Hackensack, where his gentle spirit and gift for connecting with people began to shine.
Answering the call to the priesthood, he embarked on years of dedicated preparation and was ordained at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by Archbishop Peter Leo Gerety on May 27, 1978.
Following his ordination, Fr. Mike served as parochial vicar at St. Philomena's in Livingston (1978 to 1988), Immaculate Conception in Montclair (1988 to 1992), and Sacred Heart in Haworth (1992 to 1994).
In 1994, the Church of the Annunciation in Paramus was blessed by his appointment as pastor. That same year, he became Director of the Catechumenate for the Archdiocese of Newark, a role he held from 1994 to 2009. During his tenure, he oversaw meaningful developments in the RCIA process, including the separation of the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion. Fr. Mike strongly believed that RCIA should be lived within the community of the faithful, shaping hearts through shared witness. As he often said, "Formation in the faith is about living as a disciple. We do not learn to be disciples by learning facts, but by living a life of community."
In January 2009, he was appointed as the fifth pastor of St. Peter the Apostle in River Edge, where he joyfully served until retiring in June 2023. His return to St. Peter's was a homecoming, as he had served his transitional diaconate there from 1977 to 1978. Upon retirement, he was honored as Pastor Emeritus of St. Peter the Apostle.
Among his greatest joys was mentoring seminarians, transitional deacons, and permanent deacons. He offered guidance, wisdom, humor, and genuine friendship, and he helped shape the vocations of many who went on to serve God's people.
Michael was an avid skier and enjoyed skiing the slopes of Colorado, and exploring trails of Vermont. Some of his happiest memories were made during these adventures with family and friends.
He was a passionate enthusiast of the culinary arts. He brought family and friends together sharing thoughtful and comforting meals. His cherished tradition was hosting Thanksgiving in the parish rectory he ministered and transformed the rectory into a warm and welcoming home. Our family is grateful for his hospitality and love.
On November 17, 2025, Fr. Mike was called home to God. He was a man of profound kindness whose presence enriched the lives of parishioners, colleagues, and countless friends in ministry.
He leaves behind a loving family, especially his dear brother and devoted sister, Deacon Patrick Sheehan and Mary Beth Sheehan. He is also lovingly survived by his sister-in-law Kathleen Sheehan, his nephew Philip Sheehan and Philip's wife Kelly, and their two children, Patrick and Colleen, whom he cherished. Furthermore, he is survived by many dear family and friends, as well as a priesthood marked by joy, health, and holiness that touched generations.
"Therefore, every scribe who has been trained for the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is old and what is new." (Matthew 13:52)
Family will receive friends on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 445 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 24, 11:00 am at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Interment and Committal Service will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 10am at Gate of Heaven Cemetery East Hanover, NJ--all to meet at the cemetery office by 9:45am.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Fr. Michael's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Click the link below.
Floral tributes may be delivered directly to church on SUNDAY, November 23, between 12:30pm and 2:30pm only. Please click the floral tribute link to order directly and ensure your floral tribute is delivered on time.