May 13, 2026

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

“I’m looking forward to being a man of prayer,” said Deacon Michelet Boncoeur. “Being a man of prayer will allow me to stay connected to God and to get to know God better through the people – His people – I serve. I look forward to going where the bishop asks me to go, getting to know the people of this diocese and serving them and God by administering the sacraments.”

Deacon Boncoeur is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Terry R. LaValley in a Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. on May 30 in St. Mary’s Cathedral. Deacon Boncoeur will be ordained with Deacon Tyler Fitzgerald and Deacon Dennis Ombongi (stories to be featured in future editions).

“I feel very excited about the ordination,” he said. “It’s been a long journey for me. Since I first began my studies in Haiti, it’s been a long time.”

After completing philosophy studies in Haiti, the now-deacon continued his education in the United States at Divine Word College, earning an associate degree, and later pursued graduate studies at Catholic Theological Union toward master’s degrees in divinity and in liturgy. His vocational journey included time with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and later the Society of the Divine Word, where he professed first vows in 2021 before discerning a deeper call to diocesan priesthood.

He was then introduced to the Diocese of Ogdensburg by Father Medenel Angrand, pastor in Crown Point, Schroon Lake and Ticonderoga.

While Deacon Boncoeur says he’s excited to complete his studies, his learning will continue.

“I need to be ready to learn from the pastor (where he is later assigned) and make myself ready to learn from him,” he said. “I need to work in the parish and learn from the parish and be open to feedback from the pastor and parishioners.”

Deacon Boncoeur said his year in the diaconate gave him opportunities to grow in his ministry and helped prepare him for his priesthood.

“One of the best things was to learn to be with the people – to be with them, to get to know them, to let them approach me and talk to me and for me to approach them and talk to them,” he said. “And my diaconate ministry allows me to preach the word of God and to be with the people and serve them.”

He says he’s looking forward to continuing those aspects of his ministry while also growing it.

“It is time to put into practice what I have learned at the seminary and what I have learned in my time in the parishes,” Deacon Boncoeur said. “I look forward to celebrating the sacraments.”

Though he looks forward to celebrating his first Mass at Church of the Holy Family in Watertown the day after his ordination, Deacon Boncoeur noted he’s also a bit nervous.

“It’s really mixed feelings,” he said. “When you become a priest, it’s what you do – you say Mass as celebrant. A priest, an old priest, once told me that it’s ok if you’re shaking or sweating during your first Mass. It’s not a problem. If you feel nervous, it’s ok. You’re just beginning. I will be nervous, but I’m very excited to celebrate my first Mass.”

Deacon Boncoeur noted it’s also a bit sad because his mother and brother, residents of Haiti, will be unable to attend.

“They’ll be watching the ordination and my first Mass (online),” he said. “It is very hard. This celebration – it’s huge in my culture. It would be a huge celebration when you have all your family with you. It’s also hard that my father is not alive any more to see it. I remember the first time I told my parents, ‘I want to be a priest.’ My father said, ‘ok! If it is God’s will.’ He was ok with it. My mother was not. She has only two sons, and she wanted grandchildren. Now, she is happy for me, except about not being able to come.”

He noted, though, that he has family members coming in from around the United States, Canada and other locations.

“I’m also grateful for the support from Bishop LaValley, from the Vocations Director Father Chris (Carrara) and (former Vocations Coordinator) Sister Mary Eamon Lyng,” Deacon Boncoeur said. “I’m grateful to Father Medenel for introducing me to this diocese and for his support, and to Father Al (Hauser) and Father (John) “Mickey” (Demo). And, of course, I’m grateful to God.”

JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Terry R. LaValley will ordain to the Order of Priesthood Deacon Michelet Boncoeur, Deacon Tyler Martin Fitzgerald and Deacon Dennis Mamwacha Ombongi. You are cordially invited to join in the Ordination Liturgy.
Date: May 30
Place: St. Mary’s Cathedral
Time: 11 a.m.
Features: A Reception will immediately follow the Liturgy downstairs in the Brzana Hall.
Stream online: The Ordination Mass may be viewed at www.rcdony.org/ordination. The Ordination Mass program will be available at the same link shortly before the Liturgy.