The inspiration for our ministry.
Why Mychal?
Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., was a Franciscan priest and New York City Fire Department chaplain. He died on September 11, 2001, while serving near the World Trade Center. We remember him especially for the way he lived.
A ministry of presence
He accompanied firefighters, people experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and people in recovery. He went toward suffering, listened, prayed, and helped people feel seen and loved. His example asks us: Where are we needed?
Bringing the sanctuary to the people
Father Mychal’s life reminds us that ministry happens beside hospital beds, at gravesides, in homes, and wherever people need a compassionate presence. At St. Mychal’s, his example shapes our commitment to meet people where they are.
His life and legacy
Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Mychal Judge joined the Franciscans and served in parish and chaplaincy ministry. He became an FDNY chaplain in 1992. His death during the September 11 attacks made him the first officially recorded fatality of that day; his lasting legacy is the care he gave to people throughout his life.
Mychal’s prayer
Lord, take me where You want me to go.
Let me meet who You want me to meet.
Tell me what You want me to say.
And keep me out of Your way.
Our calling
We seek to carry Father Mychal’s ministry of presence into our own community: meeting people where they are, serving without judgment, and recognizing the presence of God in every person we encounter.