Father Michael Butler
April 20, 1946 – March 23, 2018
Father Michael Butler, a priest who had served in the Diocese of Colorado Springs since 1988, died March 23 at age 71. Visitation will take place at St. Patrick Church, 6455 Brook Park Dr., on April 4 from 5-9 p.m., with a Vigil at 7 p.m. Bishop Michael Sheridan will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on April 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Inurnment will take place at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Father Butler was born April 20, 1946 in New York City, one of eight children born to William J. and Anne (Curry) Butler.
From 1966-1968, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After leaving the Army, he worked as a professional photographer for the New York City Port Authority, where he documented the construction of the World Trade Center. He later worked as a photographer in Austin, Texas.
In 1976, he joined Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, a Benedictine monastery in Pecos, New Mexico. He earned a master’s of divinity from St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, in 1983. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1984, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by Pope John Paul II.
Father Butler began serving in the Diocese of Colorado Springs in 1988 as associate pastor at Ave Maria Parish in Parker. He then served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Colorado Springs. From 1990-95, he served as associate pastor at Holy Apostles Parish. From 1995-1998, he served as associate pastor at Divine Redeemer Parish.
After a sabbatical, Father Butler served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick from 2002-2004. Father Butler then became a sacramental minister at Our Lady of the Pines Parish in the Black Forest section of Colorado Springs, remaining there until 2010. He was serving as sacramental minister at St. Patrick at the time of his death.
In addition to his parish assignments, Father Butler frequently celebrated Mass at Benet Hill Monastery and also served as chaplain at Memorial Hospital and the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed riding motorcycles and scuba diving.
Father Butler is survived by two sisters, Blanid James and Darragh Nielsen; two brothers, Dennis and Shamus; 17 nieces and nephews; and friends Ken and Caroline Kotcher. He was preceded in death by three siblings: Vincent Butler, Jack Butler and Deirdre Glennon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, P.O. Box 1080, Pecos, New Mexico 87552.