Pope Francis names Msgr. Michael Boulette as new auxiliary bishop of San Antonio

Pope Francis has named Msgr. Michael Joseph Boulette, founding director of St. Peter upon the Water: A Center for Spiritual Direction and Formation, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

The appointment was publicized in Washington on Jan. 23 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Msgr. Boulette was born on June 4, 1950, in Hudson Falls, N.Y. His family moved to Fredericksburg when he was nine years old, and he attended St. Mary’s School there. He graduated from St. John Seminary High School in San Antonio in 1968.

He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology (summa cum laude) from St. Mary’s University in 1971, a master’s degree in psychology from Trinity University in 1972, and a master of divinity degree for ministry from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 19, 1976, the feast of St. Joseph.

Msgr. Boulette served as a parochial vicar at St. James Church in Gonzales from 1976 to 1980, followed by service as parochial vicar at St. Ann Church in San Antonio from 1980 to 1983.

He ministered as director of Spiritual Formation and Liturgy at Assumption Seminary from 1983 to 1992. During this time, he was appointed coordinator of Hospitality for the papal visit of Pope John Paul II to San Antonio in 1987.

Msgr. Boulette undertook a sabbatical from May 1992 to January 1993. During his sabbatical — in 1993 — he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Preaching and Worship from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin.

Upon his return from sabbatical, Msgr. Boulette was appointed pastor of Notre Dame Church in Kerrville from 1993 to 2004. He was then named founding director of St. Peter upon the Water: A Center for Spiritual Direction and Formation in Ingram, in 2004, and he still serves in that position. The Center is a place where people may find spiritual direction and a formation program for spiritual directors. The Center also provides speakers for parish retreats and missions.

On March 10, 2005, Msgr. Boulette was appointed chaplain to His Holiness Pope John Paul II. He returned to Notre Dame Parish in Kerrville in 2010 as administrator pro tem, and also served in that capacity until just recently.

Msgr. Boulette serves as dean of the Fredericksburg Deanery and a trustee of St. Peter upon the Water: A Center for Spiritual Direction and Formation. He also serves the archdiocese as a member of the Priests’ Personnel Board, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors to the archbishop. In addition, Msgr. Boulette is well-known throughout the archdiocese as a retreat presenter and parish mission speaker.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio comprises the counties of Val Verde, Edwards, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, Gillespie, Kerr, Bandera, Medina, Frio, Kendall, Bexar, Atascosa, McMullen, Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, Gonzales, and Karnes.

The Mass of episcopal ordination will take place on Monday, March 20, at 2 p.m., at a church location in San Antonio to be determined.