Fr. Michael Thompson, SSJ
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Pastor
Very Rev. Michael Thompson hales from Sacred Heart Church, Port Arthur, Texas, formerly staffed by the Josephites Priest and Brothers. Fr. Thompson pursued an AAS degree in Architecture from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. He also received a Bachelor of Arts from Xavier University of New Orleans, LA. Fr. Thompson studied for his M.Div., at Dominican House of Studies while at St. Josephs Seminary, in Washington, D. C. In 2004, he was ordained to the priesthood. His first assignment was as parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Epiphany Church, New Orleans, L.A. After several assignments, in 2011, he was selected to serve as Vicar General of the Josephites. In the year 2015, Fr. Thompson was elected as Superior General of the Society. He became the 14th Superior General and the second African American to hold that position in the 126-year history of St. Josephs Society of the Sacred Heart (The Josephites). He is a devoted member of several organizations, including but not limited to the National Black Clergy Conference, Knights of Peter Claver, and the National Federation of Priests Council. Fr. Thompson previously served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Washington, DC. Since 2023, he has served as pastor at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Houston, TX.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Pastor
Very Rev. Michael Thompson hales from Sacred Heart Church, Port Arthur, Texas, formerly staffed by the Josephites Priest and Brothers. Fr. Thompson pursued an AAS degree in Architecture from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. He also received a Bachelor of Arts from Xavier University of New Orleans, LA. Fr. Thompson studied for his M.Div., at Dominican House of Studies while at St. Josephs Seminary, in Washington, D. C. In 2004, he was ordained to the priesthood. His first assignment was as parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Epiphany Church, New Orleans, L.A. After several assignments, in 2011, he was selected to serve as Vicar General of the Josephites. In the year 2015, Fr. Thompson was elected as Superior General of the Society. He became the 14th Superior General and the second African American to hold that position in the 126-year history of St. Josephs Society of the Sacred Heart (The Josephites). He is a devoted member of several organizations, including but not limited to the National Black Clergy Conference, Knights of Peter Claver, and the National Federation of Priests Council. Fr. Thompson previously served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Washington, DC. Since 2023, he has served as pastor at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Houston, TX.
Cherie Wade
St Mary of the Purification - Houston
Youth Minister / Middle School Catechist
Cherie Wade is a dedicated and passionate servant leader with almost ten years’ experience as a Middle School and Early Adolescents Catechist and currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church. A proud native of Texas, Cherie attended Texas Southern University and converted to Catholicism in 2013, a journey that deepened her commitment to faith and community. As a mother to a college sophomore at the University of Houston, Cherie understands the challenges and triumphs of guiding young people through transformative stages of life. Her love for reading and continuous learning fuels her ability to connect with youth and inspire them in their faith journeys.
St Mary of the Purification - Houston
Youth Minister / Middle School Catechist
Cherie Wade is a dedicated and passionate servant leader with almost ten years’ experience as a Middle School and Early Adolescents Catechist and currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church. A proud native of Texas, Cherie attended Texas Southern University and converted to Catholicism in 2013, a journey that deepened her commitment to faith and community. As a mother to a college sophomore at the University of Houston, Cherie understands the challenges and triumphs of guiding young people through transformative stages of life. Her love for reading and continuous learning fuels her ability to connect with youth and inspire them in their faith journeys.