Msgr. Michael Patrick Mooney, a longtime priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, died on April 10 at the age of 89.
Mooney’s passing marks the end of a decades-long ministry that spanned multiple parishes and key roles within the diocese. He was known for his service to both parish communities and diocesan communications.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, on March 4, 1937, Mooney was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1963 at St. Patrick College Seminary in Carlow, Ireland. After arriving in the United States in July that year, he began his ministry at St. Mary parish in Ft. Walton Beach and went on to serve at several other parishes including St. Thomas the Apostle in Quincy and Sacred Heart in Lanark Village during the following decades.
Mooney became pastor of Nativity of Our Lord parish in Pensacola in December 1980 and served there for more than three decades until his retirement in July 2014. In addition to his pastoral work, he led diocesan communications for thirty years starting from 1984 and acted as spokesperson while overseeing publications such as The Florida Catholic newspaper’s local edition and The Catholic Compass magazine.
He also contributed as a member of various diocesan boards including Priests’ Personnel Board and College of Consultors. In September 2000 he received the title of monsignor recognizing his dedication to church mission.
The funeral liturgy is scheduled for Tuesday April 28 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart with Fr. John Cayer presiding and Fr. John Licari delivering the homily; Bishop William A. Wack will attend both this service and a vigil prayer service held Monday evening prior.