St. Michael the Archangel RCC

St. Michael the Archangel RCC Parish Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm
Friday - Saturday - Sunday: Office is closed

Please see our website for Mass times.

The history of the parish of St. Michael the Archangel dates back to the early pioneer days, when Rev. Alexander MacDonnell came to this district. Father MacDonnell and his assistant were then the only Roman Catholic priests in Upper Canada. He was appointed the first Vicar-Apostolic in this area. In 1826 the Vicariate was created a Diocese by Pope Leo XII, and Kingston was named the See. Among th

e new priests to be ordained was Rev. Michael Brennan, who became the first resident priest in Belleville in 1829. Father Brennan travelled far to celebrate mass in the homes of settlers, but before the end of his first year, he erected a small wooden church, no more than twenty by thirty feet in size, on the south east corner of the lot where the present church now stands. The congregation grew rapidly, and in 1837 a stone church replaced the former structure. Father Brennan served the church for forty years. On August 22, 1886, the corner stone was laid by Archbishop Cleary. On December 17, 1904, this church which was similar in design and architecture to the present St. Michael's Church, burned to the ground. There was little or no insurance carried and financing the building of a new structure seemed impossible. But, built on the faith of willing parishioners, a new St. Michael's rose out of the ashes within a year. This new beautiful church was built under the guidance of a remarkable man, Father Twomey. Today, Father Twomey rests under the tower of the church he helped to erect. The present Church of St. Michael the Archangel was opened on October 15, 1905.

09/07/2026
09/07/2026

In the 5th century Ireland, the young Brigid (known for her deep faith and generosity) sought land from the King of Leinster to establish a monastery dedicated to God.

The king, reluctant to give away valuable property, laughed at her request and mockingly said she could have as much land as her small cloak could cover.

Undeterred, St. Brigid laid her humble cloak upon the ground. She then asked four companions to each take one corner and walk in opposite directions — north, south, east, and west. As they walked, the cloak miraculously began to stretch and expand!

It grew larger and larger, covering vast acres of rich, fertile land — enough for a grand monastery, gardens, and a community to serve the poor.

Witnessing this extraordinary miracle, the king was filled with awe. He recognized the hand of God at work, granted Brigid the land without hesitation, and even became a supporter of her mission. On that sacred ground rose the famous Monastery of Kildare, which became a shining center of faith, learning, hospitality, and charity for centuries.

This miracle of the expanding cloak was just the beginning of St. Brigid’s many wonders.

---------------
The story beautifully illustrates how God multiplies our small offerings of faith into abundant blessings — just as He multiplied the loaves and fishes. It also reflects Brigid’s gentle yet powerful witness, turning even a skeptical king’s heart toward Christ. 🙏❤️

Today, may St. Brigid intercede for us — that our own “small cloaks” of prayer, charity, and daily sacrifices may be blessed and multiplied by the Lord for His glory!

St. Brigid of Kildare, pray for us!

09/06/2026

Quote of the Day
“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in You.” St. Augustine

Address

296 Church Street
Belleville, ON
K8N3C6

Telephone

+16139624634

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when St. Michael the Archangel RCC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to St. Michael the Archangel RCC:

Shortcuts

Share

Category